Rooted in community, built on legacy
ALBANY —Hold Up Roll Up COO Jason Coleman sees the Washington Avenue dispensary as more than a business; it symbolizes change and community reclamation.
From its sleek, technology-forward storefront to its historical roots, the cannabis dispensary stands as a testament to resilience in an industry—and community—long impacted by policies of the past.
Named by founders Eddie Peoples and Charles Robinson, the store’s moniker, “Hold up, roll up,” reflects a family tradition of slowing down, gathering, and discussing life over shared moments.
“It’s a saying in the Robinson family whenever we’re in deep conversation,” Coleman said. “It’s all about coming together, and that’s the spirit we want to foster here.” This spirit permeates the dispensary, which opened its doors with a soft launch on May 8, followed by a grand opening on May 30.
Hold Up Roll Up embodies the transformative view on a market heavily criminalized in New York a generation ago. The dispensary’s showroom bathes in natural light that filters down from the high windows of the former bank, complemented by sleek, modern lighting above. This interplay of light highlights the store’s sophisticated black-and-white color scheme, which moves fluidly from dark ceiling tiles to walls brightened by their rich tones. Each product is meticulously encased in glass with sturdy black metal frames, emphasizing a refined yet approachable presentation. Accents of red and orange brick add warmth and texture, supporting beams and creating a vibrant backsplash behind the cashier’s desk, grounding the sleek aesthetic with an inviting, rustic charm.