About Riverbend

In the heart of Hudson, New York, two cannabis connoisseurs, Ed Glickman and Rudy Huston, converge once again after three decades of parallel entrepreneurial journeys. Their paths initially crossed in the colorful industry of the import-export garment business, with Ed sourcing from Guatemala and Rudy orchestrating his ventures from Indonesia.  Fate, however, seemed to have a green twist in store for them. In the smoky haze of yesteryears, Ed found himself on the wrong side of the law, a victim of draconian cannabis prohibition. But fast forward to today, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. With the legalization of Cannabis, Ed’s meritorious CUARD license signals not just a redemption but a triumph of perseverance.  Huston, who has lived in Hudson for over 20 years, is an integral part of the community with established businesses over the years that have contributed to Hudson’s culture and spirit. Together, they embark on an ambitious endeavor, Riverbend Dispensary, a hub for cannabis enthusiasts located in the historic city of Hudson, NY, at 531 Warren Street. It’s not just a business venture; it’s a testament to their enduring passion for cannabis and their unwavering belief in its potential to elevate, heal and inspire. Riverbend promises to be more than just a dispensary; it’s a farm-to-table experience where every strain tells a story, every cannabis product guarantees an unparalleled experience, and every customer becomes a welcomed member of the ever-growing cannabis community.

Hudson boasts a rich history of hemp production alongside the challenges and injustices that have shadowed cannabis cultivation. Today, we witness a long-overdue shift: cannabis gaining recognition for its healing, medicinal, and recreational virtues. This renaissance allows Hudson to resurrect its roots, becoming a prime locale for cultivating exquisite cannabis. Rudy and Ed, residents of Hudson and co-owners of Riverbend, have seen the cannabis industry evolve firsthand. Their dedication to sourcing from local farms and producers underscores their commitment to community and quality. Nestled by the Riverbend on Warren Street, our shop is more than a dispensary- it’s a testament to their friendship and the enduring spirit of cannabis. I’ll meet you at the bend.

HEMP IN COLUMBIA COUNTY: Many industries have come and gone in Hudson, New York. One of them involved hemp, derived from the cannabis plant. In the late 1700s to early 1800s, Thomas Jenkins, originally from Nantucket and one of the first residents of the newly incorporated city of Hudson, utilized hemp/cannabis grown in Columbia County to produce much-needed hemp rope for the burgeoning whaling industry and shipping industry. In fact, much of the long rope was stretched outside on the very streets of Hudson, in an alley that now bears the name “Rope Alley,” located behind State Street in Hudson. Recalling its historical significance in our community’s past, it seems fitting that we are once again reintroducing the plant to the industry in Hudson some 200 years later. It’s a thrilling moment for Riverbend to revitalize a new market in Hudson that will generate new jobs, support local farmers, and enrich the culture and flavor on Warren Street. We’re thrilled to introduce our vision of the cannabis culture to Columbia County and throughout the Hudson Valley.