From Conviction to Cannabis: The Story of Coss Marte’s Rise with Conbud

In 2009, Coss Marte’s life took a sharp turn that would change everything. Arrested and convicted for drug-related offenses, Marte found himself facing seven years behind bars. Yet, as the years went by, something extraordinary began to take shape. By 2023, Marte’s name was synonymous with success, not just in fitness but in an entirely new venture—the cannabis industry.

A Life Transformed

It all began behind bars. Marte, once a product of his surroundings in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, realized during his prison sentence that his life needed a drastic change. Diagnosed with high cholesterol and being overweight, Marte turned to fitness as a way to regain control. What started as a personal challenge to get healthy soon grew into a new passion—fitness, with the bodyweight exercises that became the foundation of his future business, Conbody.

Released in 2013 after serving six years, Marte was eager to turn his life around. He wasn’t just looking for redemption; he was ready to create something that would leave a lasting impact. 

With a $10,000 grant from Defy Ventures, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring formerly incarcerated individuals, he launched Conbody, a fitness business that quickly gained traction. But, despite the success of Conbody, something bigger was on the horizon.

A New Opportunity

By 2021, New York legalized the sale of recreational cannabis, and the state announced that those with prior marijuana convictions could apply for cannabis retail licenses. Marte saw an incredible opportunity in this new law, recognizing that his past and his successful track record with Conbody made him the perfect candidate. In 2023, he launched Conbud, a cannabis dispensary in the very neighborhood where he had once been part of the underground drug trade.

Opening Conbud wasn’t easy. Marte invested his own savings—$50,000 from Conbody and speaking engagements—and raised an additional $1.2 million in seed funding from friends and family. 

The first Conbud location opened its doors in Manhattan's Lower East Side, bringing Marte’s journey full circle. What started as an illicit operation had now become a legitimate, thriving business.

From Struggles to Success

Like most entrepreneurs, Marte’s journey wasn’t without its obstacles. The first months were slow, and building a brand in the highly competitive cannabis industry wasn’t easy. He faced the challenge of high operating costs, including rent and staffing, while also contending with unlicensed sellers who flooded the market. But Marte's dedication and resilience paid off. Conbud grew steadily, reaching $800,000 in sales per month, with a projected $7 million in revenue for 2024.

Marte's success wasn’t just about profit—it was about purpose. He made a conscious decision to hire individuals who, like him, had been impacted by the justice system. Conbud became more than a cannabis dispensary; it became a platform for change. With Conbody and Conbud, Marte now employs over 70 people, all of whom share a similar story of transformation and second chances.

The Road Ahead

Despite his remarkable success, Coss Marte isn’t resting on his laurels. His sights are set on expanding Conbud further, with plans for future locations and the goal of building a stronger community around his brand. He is also passionate about mentoring other young entrepreneurs, especially those who come from backgrounds like his own.

Marte’s story is a powerful reminder of the possibility for redemption and reinvention. From being incarcerated for selling drugs to becoming a successful business owner, Coss Marte has proven that no matter the odds, with determination, innovation, and a clear vision, it’s possible to turn even the most challenging circumstances into something extraordinary.

Coss Marte’s journey from the prison cell to the cannabis industry isn’t just about business—it’s about creating opportunity, fostering change, and, above all, never giving up on a dream.