Jennifer Tzar, a notable figure in New York’s cannabis scene, has quite a history. It’s interesting, really; this isn’t her first time in the spotlight. A decade ago, she was in quite the predicament, facing legal troubles for marijuana possession, leading to a stay at Rikers Island.
In what she describes as “the luck of a rotten pot,” her experience has transformed remarkably. Tzar, now 58, reflected on her past while founding Dagmar, New York’s first female-owned licensed cannabis dispensary.
Back in 2011, a photo of her arrest marked a significant turning point in her life, with the scene capturing her walking out of her burning apartment in Soho. She admits the incident is still very much a topic of discussion.
“The money you really need.”
In the early 2000s, Tzar worked with iconic artists like David Bowie and Snoop Dogg, capturing significant moments in their careers. Her work was featured in high-profile publications such as Rolling Stone and Billboard. She spent time between New York and California, where her life took a drastic turn due to her daughter’s illness, prompting her to take a different path financially.
At one point, she needed money desperately, which led her to start dealing marijuana. For about three to four months, she cultivated and sold cannabis, raking in a hefty sum. “I wasn’t a big dealer, but I was counting mountains of money,” she recalled, seemingly excited by the venture.
However, things took a sharp turn on August 5, 2011. Tzar awoke to smoke filling her apartment due to a fire, forcing her to make quick decisions about what to save. In her haste, she took a couple of boxes worth a significant amount, only to later face police who found her stash.
She wound up charged with first-degree marijuana possession, a serious felony at the time. When she thought she was set to be released on bail, the court closed, and, quite unexpectedly, she found herself in a police van heading to Rikers, a place notorious for its harsh conditions.
Reflecting on her time there, she described it as disorienting, like losing all sense of rights. After her release, she moved to the Lower East Side before later relocating to Williamsburg. The aftermath of the arrest was challenging for her photography career, overshadowed by the incident.
“Bee Line for Soho”
Realizing a felony record might hinder her chances at future opportunities, Tzar and her partner moved away from Mendocino, eventually selling their home. She started a new chapter by opening a bar in Hudson, but it wasn’t fulfilling, leading her to Los Angeles for another venture. Then in 2021, news of New York legalizing recreational cannabis caught her attention.
Encouraged by friends and reflecting on her past, Tzar began looking into opening a dispensary despite her initial reluctance. She quickly recognized the potential for profit and the vision she had for creating a unique shop experience. “All the dispensaries I visited were so bland; I wanted to make it beautiful,” she explained.
After a year and a half, she finally secured her license and opened Dagmar on December 15, 2023. Interestingly, it stands just a short distance from where she was arrested.
The shop features vibrant decor and an inviting atmosphere, aiming to cater to a diverse clientele. Tzar noted that her staff, predominantly women, contributes to a warm, engaging workspace.
She mentioned receiving encouragement and praise from customers regarding her achievements, which have been substantial. In its first year, Dagmar reportedly generated sales of $4.5 million, with expectations higher for the current year and ambitions for future expansion.
Despite her initial doubts about revisiting the cannabis world, Tzar found a renewed passion in her new role. “I discovered I actually really love it,” she concluded, ending on a note of unexpected fulfillment.
