The wait is over. Alien Labs has officially touched down in New York, and Torches NYC sits at the top of the short list of dispensaries chosen to carry the cult California brand. If you’ve followed cannabis culture over the past decade, you already know what this means. If you haven’t, consider this your formal introduction to, hands down, one of the most respected names in the game.
We’ve been working behind the scenes with the Alien Labs and Connected Co. teams to make sure this launch hits the way it deserves to in the city. From an exclusive merch capsule to a podcast taping in our private downstairs space, we pulled out all the stops. Here’s everything you need to know about the drop, the brand, and what’s currently sitting on our shelves at 12 E 42nd Street. Shop online now if you want to see what’s in stock.
The Alien Labs Origin Story
Ted Lidie founded Alien Labs in California back in 2014, and the brand built its reputation the old-fashioned way: by growing immaculate, top-shelf flower and refusing to compromise. Ted came up in the legacy market and carried that mentality into the legal space seamlessly. This gave the brand an authenticity that bigger operators tried to copy but could never quite capture.
The early years saw Alien Labs putting out cuts that quickly became holy grail status among connoisseurs. Strains like Area 41, Milkbone, and even the Jeeter collabs put the brand in conversations far beyond the West Coast. Then came Atomic Apple, which honestly changed the game. That strain alone cemented Alien Labs as a top tier flower brand and turned heads from coast to coast. Shop online and try this renowned cut now while supplies last.
What separates Alien Labs from the pack comes down to consistency and artisanal curation. Ted and the team don’t chase trends or flood the market with mid-tier product. They drop strains they actually believe in, hunt phenotypes obsessively, and treat every harvest like it matters. That philosophy turned the brand into one of the most respected names on the West Coast, and now that same approach has made its way to New York.
Why Torches NYC Got the Call
When Alien Labs decided to expand into the New York market, the team got selective about retail partners. Not every dispensary made the cut. The brand wanted shops that understood the culture, carried the right reputation, and could give the product the platform it deserves.
Fortunately, Torches NYC checked every box. Our Midtown location at 12 E 42nd Street puts us in the heart of Manhattan with foot traffic from locals, commuters, and tourists alike. Beyond the address, we’ve built our shop around a curated selection of premium brands and a team that actually knows what they’re talking about. That cultural stamp of approval was clearly visible to the Alien Labs camp, and we’re proud to be one of the prime retailers chosen for the launch.
The Exclusive Capsule Collection
To mark the occasion properly, Alien Labs put together an exclusive capsule collection of merch with Torches NYC, and we’re gassed up about how it turned out. The collab features hats, hoodies, and t-shirts that blend the iconic Alien Labs aesthetic with Torches branding, and every piece was designed specifically for this launch.
You won’t find this merch anywhere else. Not on the Alien Labs website, not at other dispensaries, not at any pop-ups. The capsule lives exclusively at Torches NYC for as long as supplies last, which makes each piece a real collector’s item for fans of either brand. Stop by the shop to check out the full collection in person and grab yours before it’s gone.
First Smoke Of The Day Podcast: The NYC Episode
We had the pleasure of hosting Ted Lidie himself down in our private space below the dispensary on 4/20 weekend for an upcoming episode of First Smoke Of The Day. Joining Ted was Malique, the brand manager for Connected Co. and Alien Labs, along with Jose and Santana from the Torches NYC team. The conversation went deep, and we genuinely think this one is going to resonate with anyone who cares about the culture, especially on the East Coast.
The four of them talked about their favorite 4/20 experiences as well as what this New York drop means for Alien Labs and why the brand waited until the timing felt right to make the move. Ted shared the perspective behind picking Torches as one of the prime retailers, citing our cultural stamp of approval and prime Midtown location as key factors.
Jose and Santana spoke about what it takes to earn that kind of recognition from a legacy California operator and how the Torches team builds relationships with brands that share the same values. Watch the full episode now on YouTube.
What’s on the Shelves Right Now
If you came here for the actual product breakdown, here’s what we currently have in stock.
The exotic indoor flower lineup features Alien Labs’ iconic strains, including Xeno, Atomic Apple, Permanent Shade, and BK Satellite, with more cuts rotating in as availability allows. Each strain reflects the brand’s commitment to phenotype hunting and small batch cultivation. The flower comes packaged in the recognizable Alien Labs jars that have become a status symbol among collectors.
Atomic Apple Strain
On the nose, the Atomic Apple strain hits you with a rush of tart green apple skin, candied sweetness, and a gassy backbone that grounds the whole thing. The nugs show off deep purple hues laced with bright orange hairs, all coated in a frosty layer of trichomes that catches the light. On the inhale, you taste that signature sour apple candy note up front before the gas takes over on the exhale and coats your palate. The high might settle in fast with a heavy euphoric pull that mellows into a long, relaxing physical sedation perfect for a slow afternoon.
Xeno Strain
The Xeno strain greets you with a loud, funky nose that mixes sweet gas, hints of pine, and a creamy berry note hiding underneath. The flower itself is dense, chunky, and absolutely caked in resin, with deep green calyxes and fiery orange pistils weaving through every nug. The smoke goes down smooth with a fuel-forward flavor that finishes sweet. This leaves a dessert-like aftertaste that keeps you reaching for the jar. The high might come on cerebral and uplifting before settling into a balanced, focused vibe that works just as well for creativity as it does for kicking back with squad.
We’re also carrying the premium 1g pre-rolls featuring those same heavy hitting strains. These pre-rolls give you a chance to try the Alien Labs experience without committing to a full eighth, and they’re rolled with the same flower that goes into the jars. No shake, no trim, just real flower hand selected for the format.
Vape products are coming down the line in the not-too-distant future, so stay tuned. When the carts and disposables hit our shelves, you’ll hear about it first if you sign up for our newsletter or follow us on IG (@torches.nyc).
Come See It For Yourself
Alien Labs landing in New York is a moment, and we’re honored Torches NYC is part of it. Whether you want to grab some flower, pick up exclusive merch, or just stop by to talk shop with our team, the door is open. We’re at 12 E 42nd Street, open seven days a week, and ready to light the way. Sign up for our FREE Rewards Program to start earning points towards dollars off future purchases.
Welcome to New York, Alien Labs. We’ve been waiting for you.