Since New Jersey legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, the cannabis industry has seen rapid growth across the state. Bergen County, home to eight licensed dispensaries, is now navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with this burgeoning market. While some municipalities embrace the economic benefits, others grapple with zoning, licensing, social and ethical concerns. The cannabis landscape in Bergen County is evolving and has a broader impact on local communities, entrepreneurs, and business growth.
Overview of Marijuana Legalization in New Jersey
New Jersey legalized recreational cannabis under the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMM Act) in 2021. This law opened doors for recreational and medicinal cannabis businesses across the state. By 2024, the cannabis market had expanded rapidly, with the state seeing over $200 million in sales in the first quarter of the year alone.
Bergen County has become an integral part of the state's cannabis industry, contributing to its growth through both recreational and medicinal sales. While municipalities like Lodi, Fort Lee, and Elmwood Park have embraced cannabis, others remain more cautious, with some towns opting out entirely.
Bergen County's Dispensary Landscape
As of 2024, Bergen County is home to eight licensed dispensaries, serving both medical and recreational consumers:
Apothecarium Dispensary (Lodi): Opened in July 2022, this dispensary offers both recreational and medical cannabis. It made history by introducing New Jersey’s first cannabis drive-thru, making it an easy and convenient choice for consumers.
Ascend (Rochelle Park & Fort Lee): Ascend Rochelle Park began recreational sales in April 21, 2022, the day New Jersey officially opened its recreational market. With locations in Fort Lee and Rochelle Park, Ascend, which operates in over 7 U.S. states, offers a comprehensive range of cannabis products. Both locations emphasize customer convenience, with loyalty programs and express lanes for medical patients.
Garfield Gardens Dispensary (Garfield): Garfield Gardens is part of a woman-owned, community-focused dispensary chain, Yuma Way. In addition to their New Jersey location, the brand has locations in Michigin, Colorado, California and Virginia. It offers both recreational and medical cannabis, along with special deals for veterans.
Hashery (Hackensack): Hashery opened its doors in late 2023. This independently-owned dispensary operates as a recreational-only dispensary, providing a wide range of premium cannabis products. Located on Route 17, it focuses on a boutique experience with highly curated cannabis offerings.
Ohm Theory (Elmwood Park): Another new boutique dispensary entering the market in April 2024, Ohm Theory aims to offer high-quality recreational cannabis with an emphasis on education and customer experience. Their focus on curating a premium selection makes them a standout in Elmwood Park’s cannabis market.
RISE (Paramus): As a medical-only dispensary, RISE has been serving patients in Paramus for several years. Operated by Green Thumb Industries, RISE specializes in providing personalized medical cannabis treatments for registered patients.
Cannavibes (Elmwood Park): Opened in 2024, Cannavibes is a female-owned dispensary offering recreational cannabis. Owner Linda Solana faced numerous challenges in securing her license, battling against multi-state operators (MSOs) in real estate and regulatory hurdles. Her success in opening Cannavibes in Elmwood Park showcases the persistence required for minority and women entrepreneurs to break into this competitive market.
The Economic Impact on Bergen County
The introduction of legalized cannabis in Bergen County has brought new economic opportunities. With eight dispensaries and counting, the county is contributing to New Jersey’s growing cannabis sales, which are expected to generate billions in the coming years. Towns like Lodi, Hackensack, and Fort Lee are seeing new jobs, increased tax revenue, and additional business activity around these dispensaries.
However, not all towns have embraced cannabis. In fact, many municipalities in Bergen County have opted out of allowing cannabis businesses, citing concerns over public safety, youth access, and community values. This means that while some towns are reaping the economic benefits, others remain cautious, limiting the potential for cannabis-related growth in the county.
Future Prospects for Cannabis in Bergen County
With three dispensaries opening in in the last year alone, Bergen County’s cannabis market is poised for further expansion. As consumer demand for recreational cannabis continues to rise, more towns may reconsider their stance on allowing cannabis businesses. At the same time, local entrepreneurs, especially those from minority and disadvantaged backgrounds, will continue to face challenges in entering the market.
New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission has committed to increasing support for social equity applicants, offering resources and financial assistance to help level the playing field. This includes low-interest loans and grants aimed at helping small business owners, particularly those affected by the War on Drugs, to establish their foothold in the industry.
Wrapping It Up
The legalization of marijuana in New Jersey has brought both opportunities and challenges to Bergen County. While some municipalities and entrepreneurs are thriving, others continue to face significant barriers, particularly in securing real estate and navigating regulatory hurdles. As the market grows, the county will likely see more dispensaries, jobs, and economic benefits, but issues around social equity and local resistance will need to be addressed for the cannabis industry to reach its full potential.
Bergen County’s cannabis journey is still in its early stages, and the coming years will reveal just how far the industry can grow in the Garden State’s most populous county.