Coss Marte Transforms Past into Cannabis and Fitness Empire in NYC

Coss Marte, once incarcerated for selling cannabis, has transformed his life by founding ConBud dispensaries and ConBody gym in New York City. His journey from the streets of the Lower East Side to becoming a successful entrepreneur is a testament to his resilience and vision. He aims to inspire others through his unique combination of fitness and cannabis businesses

Growing up in a challenging environment, Marte's early life was marked by drug dealing and incarceration. After serving time, he began hosting workout classes in local parks, which eventually led to the establishment of ConBody gym. The gym, located in a gentrified Lower East Side, reflects Marte's commitment to building a positive community space

Marte's expansion into the cannabis industry was driven by a desire to overcome frustration and discrimination. He now operates three dispensaries in New York City, meeting the state's social equity requirements due to his past nonviolent cannabis conviction and business experience. His journey was encouraged by a former client who successfully opened a dispensary in Massachusetts

Despite initial resistance from his family, particularly his mother, Marte has successfully integrated his personal and professional life. His family plays an active role in his business, and he credits his wife for guiding the branding of his ventures. Marte's mother, despite her concerns, is proud of his achievements and sees the positive impact of his work

Marte plans to further his community impact with ConMission, a nonprofit aimed at providing paid internships for formerly incarcerated individuals. His vision is to reduce recidivism by offering employment opportunities immediately upon release. Although his proposal for prison training programs was not funded, Marte remains committed to making a difference in the lives of those affected by the criminal justice system