From Crack Set-Up to Cannabis Success: The Story of Don Williams & Upstate Canna

From Crack Set-Up to Cannabis Success: The Story of Don Williams & Upstate Canna

Schenectady, NY — In a world where second chances are rare and the deck often feels stacked against independent entrepreneurs, Don Williams has become a symbol of perseverance for the Capital Region.

Williams’ story didn’t begin with cannabis. Years ago, he ran a smoke shop in Scotia, NY, where he became the target of an alleged set-up involving both local police and a paid informant. Crack cocaine was planted in his store, and Williams was arrested on felony charges that could have ended his life as a free man.

But Don had something most accused people don’t — security cameras. The footage told the real story, revealing that the evidence had been planted. The charges were dropped, the informant was later convicted of perjury, and Williams turned around and sued the county. He won a multi-million-dollar settlement — and while he doesn’t brag about the number, it was enough to change his life.

“It’s widely presumed,” says locals, “that Don used that money to turn a nightmare into an opportunity.”

With those funds, Williams opened Upstate Canna, one of the very first licensed adult-use cannabis dispensaries in Schenectady County. The shop was an instant hit, pulling in lines down the block and becoming a favorite destination for Capital Region cannabis connoisseurs.

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Highs, Lows, and Headlines

Williams’ journey hasn’t been smooth since then. In early 2024, he was involved in a serious accident that led to criminal charges and eventually a conviction. He is currently serving a sentence related to that incident.

But just like he did when he beat the false crack charges, Don isn’t letting this setback destroy what he built. Friends, partners, and supporters have stepped in to help keep Upstate Canna running strong while he’s away. The dispensary doors are still open, the community still shows up, and the business continues to thrive despite the founder’s personal hardships.

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What Don Represents

In many ways, Don Williams’ story is bigger than cannabis. It’s a story about surviving injustice, rebuilding, and refusing to be defined by your worst day.

He went from being framed and jailed — to beating the charges, suing the system, and flipping that tragedy into a legal, thriving business. Now, he’s facing another storm, but if history is any guide, Don Williams will pull through again.

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Upstate Canna’s Future

Regulators will be watching, no doubt. But the community is on Don’s side. Customers still show up because they believe in the business, and they believe in the man who built it.

Whether he’s behind the counter or behind bars, Don’s story has already inspired many — and it’s not over yet.