From Prison to Profits: How This Entrepreneur's Cannabis Business Makes $800,000 Monthly
Sunday, Jan 5, 2025 3:48 pm ET

In the rapidly growing cannabis industry, one entrepreneur's journey from prison to profits is nothing short of inspiring. Coss Marte, the founder of Conbody and Second Chance Studios, has turned his past experiences into a thriving cannabis business that generates over $800,000 in monthly revenue. His story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, community engagement, and a commitment to social equity.
Marte's journey began in the underground cannabis industry, where he saw an opportunity to make a living in an environment that offered few alternatives. However, his success was short-lived, as he was arrested and sentenced to seven years in prison at the age of 23. During his time behind bars, Marte realized the importance of helping others and making a positive impact on society. He started a workout program on the prison yard, helping more than 20 fellow inmates lose a combined total of over 1,000 pounds.
Upon his release, Marte founded Conbody, a fitness method managed and run by former inmates. The organization aims to de-stigmatize the formerly incarcerated community, ease their integration back into society, and work to change the systemic inequity of the criminal justice system. Through Conbody, Marte has helped more than 100 formerly incarcerated individuals and achieved a 0% recidivism rate. Additionally, he has placed more than 50 trained professionals in positions in New York's fitness industry.
Marte's commitment to social equity and community engagement extends beyond the fitness industry. He co-founded Second Chance Studios, a nonprofit organization that teaches formerly incarcerated individuals audio engineering and video production. Half of the graduates from the last graduating class were accepted to work at MTV, demonstrating the success of this initiative in providing employment opportunities and fostering connections within the media industry.
With his past conviction for cannabis offenses, Marte meets the requirements set by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York Office of Cannabis Management for one of the first 100 licenses for adult-use cannabis retailers. If successful, he plans to offer a path to employment in the cannabis industry for other formerly incarcerated members of the community, further expanding his supportive network.
Marte's experience in the underground cannabis industry has also proven invaluable in navigating the legal and regulatory landscape of the legal market. His deep understanding of the cannabis plant and its various strains, combined with his network of contacts within the industry, has allowed him to create high-quality products that appeal to consumers. Additionally, his experience in the underground market has given him a sense of how to operate in a grey area, which has been useful in navigating the complex and ever-changing regulatory landscape of the legal cannabis market.

Marte's focus on community engagement and education has also contributed to his business's success and positive public perception. By offering targeted training and mentorship programs, he has helped formerly incarcerated individuals develop the skills needed to succeed in the cannabis industry. Through Conbody and Second Chance Studios, Marte has provided employment opportunities and support to more than 100 formerly incarcerated individuals, fostering a sense of community and purpose.
In conclusion, Coss Marte's journey from prison to profits serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs and social equity advocates alike. His commitment to community engagement, education, and social equity has not only helped him build a successful cannabis business but has also created a supportive network for formerly incarcerated individuals. As the cannabis industry continues to grow, entrepreneurs like Marte will play a crucial role in shaping its future and ensuring that its benefits are shared equitably among all members of society.