The cannabis landscape is evolving, and Planet Nugg is quickly making its mark as Long Island’s fastest-growing, high-end dispensary. Located in Farmingdale, this 5,000-square-foot retail space opened in September 2024, offering an unmatched selection of over 1,700 premium New York State legal products — the largest inventory in town.
With only a handful of dispensaries open in Suffolk County, Planet Nugg’s arrival at 2043 Wellwood Avenue has been a game-changer, bringing a premium, customer-focused cannabis shopping experience to the region. Planet Nugg operates 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with Sunday hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with plans to extend hours this summer to accommodate growing demand.
A Dispensary Like No Other
“We wanted something fun, modern, and unique,” says David Tubens, founder and owner.
Inspired by outer space and aliens, the store blends futuristic design with an Apple-like shopping experience. Products are displayed in well-lit glass curios and categorized by type rather than brand for a seamless shopping experience.
A former chiropractor who built a multi-location wellness business, Tubens saw Planet Nugg as a dream turned reality — a high-end cannabis destination designed for both connoisseurs and newcomers alike. Upon entering, customers are welcomed by highly trained Budtenders equipped with iPads, ready to provide personalized recommendations and education on every product.
“The end of cannabis prohibition in New York provided this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Tubens explains.
Unlike traditional dispensaries, Planet Nugg is designed to streamline the shopping experience. Instead of long lines or crowded kiosks, the store offers an interactive, concierge-style approach that gets customers in and out quickly while ensuring one-on-one service.
“It’s very user-friendly,” Tubens adds. “We focus on customer experience — not just transactions.”
Curated Products & Community Impact
Planet Nugg caters to a diverse and often more affluent clientele, with many customers in their 30s and older. Its extensive product lineup includes:
- Premium Flower and Prerolls
- Concentrates
- Edibles
- Vape Pens
- THC-infused Beverages
- Topicals and Tinctures
- CBD for Humans and Pets
Among the bestsellers is Ayrloom, a THC-infused drink that Tubens describes as an excellent alternative to alcohol, aligning with the growing trend of low- and no-alcohol consumption.
“There are different strengths — it’s like having a glass of wine,” Tubens says, noting the steady decline in alcohol sales as cannabis gains more popularity.
Beyond recreational use, many customers turn to Planet Nugg for plant-based medicine, seeking relief from pain, anxiety, appetite loss, and insomnia.
“We don’t eliminate pain, but we help people manage it naturally,” Tubens explains.
Giving Back to the Community
Planet Nugg is more than a dispensary — it’s a community-driven business. The company has donated to:
- Farmingdale State College scholarships
- Local animal shelters
- Narcan training initiatives to combat the fentanyl crisis
“The good that legal dispensaries are doing is incredible,” Tubens says. “We provide Narcan training regularly and distribute Narcan to those in need.”
Expanding to the East End
Building on its success, Planet Nugg is preparing to launch its second and third location. Next up, The North Fork Cannabis Company in Aquebogue, Riverhead. The new dispensary will be vineyard-style, spanning acres in Long Island’s renowned wine country, and is expected to open by summer 2025.
“We’re right in the middle of Long Island’s wine region. Our facility and property is so beautiful — you’d almost mistake us for a vineyard,” Tubens says.
The tourist-friendly location is expected to draw bus tours and wine lovers looking for a luxury cannabis experience alongside their vineyard visits.
“It’s seasonal, but it’s becoming more of a year-round tourist attraction,” Tubens notes, highlighting the boutique nature of the region’s vineyards and its synergy with the cannabis farming industry.
A Legal Alternative to the Black Market
Planet Nugg and other licensed dispensaries are playing a key role in reducing illegal cannabis sales as well. Tubens reiterates the frightening statistic that illegal pot shops continue to operate and thrive across Long Island, especially in towns without legal cannabis.
By providing safe, lab-tested products and a top-tier retail experience, Planet Nugg hopes to steer customers away from unregulated grey markets.
“We aim to provide a safe, legal option for consumers,” Tubens says.
With its cutting-edge approach, strong commitment to education, and exciting expansion plans, Planet Nugg is redefining the cannabis experience on Long Island — one customer at a time.
The Planet Nugg Experience
Join us for NUGGCHELLA – Planet Nugg’s First Annual Free 3-Day Culture & Community Festival to celebrate cannabis, music, and culture with special guests, live entertainment, and exclusive deals! On April 18, meet “The King of Long Island” DJ Valentino at Planet Nugg. On April 19, hip-hop legend Jim Jones will be in-store for a special meet and greet. Then, on April 20, celebrate the biggest cannabis day of the year with Hot 97’s DJ Drewski. Enjoy live music, meet and greets, food trucks, raffles, a live podcast, and special promotions throughout April.
Planet Nugg Dispensary • 2043 Wellwood Ave., Farmingdale, NY • Visit PlanetNugg.com
PARTNER CONTENT
Read also: Commercial cannabis on Long Island not smokin’ yet
