Rooted in culture.
Highest Standards is a design-forward, hospitality-driven experience at the intersection of culture, curation, and community.
01 — Our story
From Chelsea Market to the Financial District.
May 2026
FiDi flagship opens
July 2026
Bronx opens
Founded by cannabis industry veterans Eric Hammond, former CEO of Highsman and co-founder of game-changing retail concept Higher Standards, and Jonathan Monk, managing partner and founder of Most Consulting Group and Walnut Street Holdings, Highest Standards is the culmination of years of experience across retail, accessories, licensing, and cultural brand-building.
It combines the legacy of New York’s pioneering concept shop in Chelsea Market with an evolved vision of a licensed dispensary to reimagine retail rooted in authenticity, design, and culture.
Highest Standards opened a flagship in NYC’s Financial District in May 2026 and a second location in the Bronx in July 2026. Designed to feel like a refined lifestyle destination rather than a traditional dispensary, it features a unique menu of craft cannabis, elevated accessories curated by Hammond, and collectible design. Highest Standards sets a new benchmark for what modern dispensary culture can become in New York City and beyond.
Jonathan Monk & Eric Hammond — opening day, FiDi
02 — Founders
The partners
Managing Partner & Co-Founder
Eric Hammond
MBA, Entrepreneurship — Nova Southeastern University · BA, Psychology — University of Florida
A seasoned entrepreneur and consumer brands executive, Eric Hammond brings over two decades of experience building, leading, and scaling businesses across cannabis, retail, and consumer products. As Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Highest Standards, Eric combines his passion for cannabis culture with extensive expertise in brand development, retail innovation, and creating exceptional consumer experiences.
Prior to Highest Standards, Eric served as President of Revelry, a leading provider of smell-proof, water-resistant bags and lifestyle accessories. Before Revelry, he was CEO of Highsman, the cannabis lifestyle brand founded by former NFL running back Ricky Williams, where he helped advance the brand’s mission of destigmatizing cannabis and connecting with consumers through lifestyle and culture.
Earlier in his career, Eric served as Vice President of Greenlane Brands and General Manager of Higher Standards, the pioneering cannabis lifestyle brand and retail concept that helped redefine the premium cannabis shopping experience. In addition to Higher Standards, he oversaw a diverse portfolio of owned and licensed consumer brands, including Marley Natural, Aerospaced, and K.Haring.
Throughout his career, Eric has played a key role in transforming emerging brands into established industry leaders, bringing together product innovation, brand strategy, and retail execution. His experience building consumer-focused businesses has helped shape Highest Standards’ approach to premium cannabis retail, with an emphasis on quality, thoughtful design, and community.
Managing Partner & Co-Founder
Jonathan Monk
MBA, Management Consulting — Penn State University · BS, Finance — Temple University
Jonathan Monk is a seasoned entrepreneur and cannabis industry executive with over a decade of experience building brands and businesses across cannabis, retail, and entertainment. As Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Highest Standards, Jonathan brings a passion for cannabis, culture, and community, alongside extensive experience creating and scaling successful businesses.
Prior to Highest Standards, Jonathan served as CEO and Partner of MOST Consulting Group, one of the nation’s leading cannabis consulting and creative agencies. Under his leadership, MOST grew from a boutique agency into a multimillion-dollar firm serving clients across more than 30 states and four countries.
Throughout his career, Jonathan has worked with over 300 licensed cannabis operators, helping bring dispensaries, cultivation facilities, and cannabis brands from concept to reality. Beyond consulting, he has been directly involved in the ownership, development, and operation of licensed cannabis businesses, bringing hands-on experience across retail strategy, store design, branding, marketing, and business growth.
Before entering the cannabis industry, Jonathan founded Kannakart, an e-commerce business specializing in smoking accessories, and East Side Entertainment, a Northeast-based concert production and artist management company. His background in both cannabis and entertainment has shaped his approach to building brands that connect with consumers through culture, community, and experience.
03 — Culture
Rooted in culture
From premium cannabis to thoughtfully selected lifestyle accessories and art, the environment is built to inspire discovery and elevate the everyday. Every element reflects a higher level of taste.
04 — Curation
Curated with intention
Exceptional cannabis, elevated accessories and collectible design — trusted brands, emerging voices and original concepts developed in-house. Each product earns its place through quality, craftsmanship and experience.
05 — Community
Built for community
Each location reflects the rhythm of its neighborhood while holding a clear, consistent point of view. No matter the market: refined, curated, and held to the highest standard.
FiDi — 2 Coenties Slip
Bronx — 1031 Southern Blvd
07 — Everyday discounts
Who saves, every day
Conditions apply. Cannot be combined with other eligible promotions unless noted.
15%
First-time customers
One-time, in store or delivery.
10%
Veterans & first responders
Valid ID required.
10%
Customers 65+
Valid ID required.
10%
NY medical cardholders
Present card at checkout.
10%
On your birthday
Collective members, redeem within 7 days. Can combine.