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Listen to this articleDispensaries across New Jersey plan to mark 4/20 – the biggest day of the year for cannabis culture – with special deals, promotions and freebies.
With April 20 falling on a Saturday, and more adult-use markets online than ever before, industry analysts expect this year the U.S. will see record-breaking sales.
New Jersey is home to 120-plus dispensaries and counting. This year marks the second 4/20 since the April 21, 2022, launch of legalized recreational sales.
Scott Franco is vice president of marketing for C3 Industries, the multistate operator that runs High Profile in Lakehurst. He said they are looking forward to celebrating the “iconic holiday” with their local communities “and serving up great fun, live music, killer deals and good vibes.”
Most dispensaries in New Jersey are hosting promotions and events this coming weekend. However, many are also offering deals and special programs leading up to 4/20.
Ahead of the game
At Joyleaf in Roselle, the recreational shop has been celebrating “20 Days of Joy” in April, featuring bundles and mystery bag giveaways.
In the days leading up to 4/20, Joyleaf is presenting “Week of Weeds & Wonders.” Dispensary co-owner Dharshini Casinathen described it as “a sensory cannabis experience and week-long series of enriching events designed to educate, destigmatize and celebrate cannabis culture.”
The itinerary has included in-store yoga sessions that thoughtfully incorporate cannabis as well as a vendor showcase and demonstration by expert rollers. Meanwhile, a “Sessions of Joy” event offered various sensory experiences, like the chance to observe cannabis flowers under microscopes. There was also a raffle to win flower, curated playlists to enhance the experience and aromatherapy sessions.
Casinathen said, “Our educational-focused events are designed to destigmatize cannabis and provide an environment where attendees can explore the ‘right product for the right moment.’ These moments range from socializing with friends to unwinding after a stressful day or being inspired to create, reflecting our understanding that cannabis can be part of people’s everyday moments. To bring these moments to life, Joyleaf curates sensory stations that allow customers to connect with cannabis through our four senses: sight, sound, touch, and smell. These stations provide new insights and education to customers.”
“We are also focused on building community, as it is part of our central ethos. Engaging directly with our customers, inviting them into our space, and creating a sense of belonging. These events foster unity, education, and the changing of preconceptions of cannabis. The best compliment we receive from our events is ‘I can’t believe this is weed’—this is when we know we are changing perceptions and advancing our mission to destigmatize cannabis,” said Casinathen, who is also certified cannabis sommelier.
Here’s just a few of the high holiday specials planned for adult-use consumers and medicinal patients:
High Profile in Lakehurst is hosting the 420 Daze Summer Concert Series contest. Two grand prize winners will take home a package of two concert tickets, presented as a Live Nation digital gift card valued at $400. They’ll also get exclusive swag, like a limited-edition lawn chair, T-shirt, bucket hat, lighter, color-changing cup, rolling papers, air freshener and stickers. Through the end of the weekend, High Profile will also offer doorbusters, buy one get one free and products priced at 1 cent. As part of 4/20 festivities on Saturday, the Duo Jammin Steel Drum Band will play from 1-5 p.m., and Good Shore Eats will be onsite from noon to 5 p.m. Additionally, the first 50 customers with a High Profile receipt will receive a free meal valued up to $12.
Customers at Valley Wellness in Raritan will get 30% off Botanix and Superflux products, 15% off Legends vapes, 20% off Grassroots and & Find products, and 20% off select vapes of all sizes. Additionally, shoppers who spend $125 will get a $1 pre-roll.
Brute’s Roots in Egg Harbor Township will have discounts on its signature two-pack pre-rolls and select vapes, as well as a DJ and complimentary hot dog truck from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday. There will also be free T-shirt and merch giveaways all day long. Additionally, at 4:20 p.m. the dispensary will reveal its free pound of marijuana contest winner.
Rise Dispensary is offering 30% off RYTHM premium flower and full spectrum vapes, Dogwalkers pre-rolls and incredibles edibles at its stores in Bloomfield, Paterson and Paramus. On Saturday, the Bloomfield location will host a party that includes Asian-Latin fusion treats from Chef J’s Latin Dragon, a live DJ set and giveaways.
Verano operates Zen Leaf in Elizabeth, Neptune and Lawrence. The MSO has several promotions, including 35% off featured brands and 20% off storewide. On April 20, customers will receive a gift with any purchase over $100. Additionally, locations in Neptune and Lawrence will host local food trucks. As part of the launch of its rewards club, the company is hosting a creativity contest where cannabis enthusiasts, wordsmiths and digital creators can submit a meme, slogan or jingle for the opportunity to win a 2024 Cabbage Wrapped Hyundai Venue. Find out more at cabbageclub.co.
Ascend Wellness is hosting a month-long “Cannapalooza” event with exclusive deals, specials and merchandise, as well as 4/20 promotions at its three New Jersey dispensaries (Montclair, Fort Lee and Rochelle Park). On Saturday, a celebration will kick off at 4:20 p.m. at the Rochelle Park store, featuring food, music, prizes and mini doughnuts from the Glazed & Confused food truck to the first 420 customers.
Union Chill in Lambertville will give the first 200 customers a “chill bag” for $5. The special goodie bag, valued at $120, is filled with best-selling products from brands like The Botanist, AYR Wellness and Gron, as well as an exclusive T-shirt. Throughout the weekend, there will also be various promotions, including several 30% to 40% off deals and buy one, get one for $1, $5 and $10 offers. Additionally, all Union Chill customers who spend $100 or more on Ozone and/or Simply Herb products will receive a free meal from Holy Que Smokehouse food truck, which will be parked outside the dispensary. For those who prefer something sweet, Union Chill will also debut New Jersey’s first legal weed brownie from ButACake for $10. Additionally, the dispensary is serving as premier sponsor of Lambertville’s annual ShadFest event, which runs April 20-21. It will have an all-day shuttle to give customers easy access.
Curaleaf has dispensaries in Bordentown, Edgewater Park and Bellmawr. It is giving 25% off storewide and 30% off Grassroots, Select, Find and Jams brand products. Rewards members also have access to doorbuster deals while supplies last.
Nova Farms in Woodbury has in-store and VIP deals planned on Saturday, as well as visits by vendors from top brands, live entertainment and food trucks.
Ayr Wellness’ locations in Woodbridge, Union and Eatontown will welcome Mudd Brothers Cannabis Co. – the brand founded by the MSO and well-known cannabis advocated Stanley Okoro and Brendon Robinson – for 4/20 pop-ups on Saturday. Mudd Brothers, which recently released their first infused pre-roll in three strains (Sundae Sherbert, Tahoe Cream and KW #11), will be at Ayr in Woodbridge from 2-4:30 p.m. and Union from 6-8:30 p.m. Along with live DJs and merch, the events will include promotions.
