Opening Press Release
What was once a Halal restaurant is now North Brunswick Township’s first cannabis dispensary. Located at 1345 US-1 Southbound in North Oaks Plaza, Garden State Botanicals has transformed the 2,400-square-foot space into a haven for New Jersey residents to access medicinal cannabis.
The dispensary celebrated their soft opening just over two weeks ago on September 3rd. When patients arrive at the location, conveniently situated next to a Dunkin’, they are first greeted by a receptionist who checks them in and ensures that their prescriptions are active. Once inside, customers will notice a minimalistic yet welcoming style that is not commonly seen in other dispensaries.
James Manise, Garden State Botanicals’ Assistant General Manager, says that this design choice is intentional. “What’s important is that we are able to provide our patients with a variety of high-quality products. We didn’t want to fill the dispensary with fancy bells and whistles and then be unable to supply the community with the medicine they need,” he says. “Our hope is that when patients stop in they’ll see that we are the bells and whistles, and that the experience and education our team has is worth more than anything else we could invest in.”
That isn’t to say the location is bare. Large potted plants fill the space, a nod to the “botanical” portion of their name. Shelves showcase the many products and brands they keep stocked, from well-known brands like Cookies and Verano to more independent companies like Seed & Strain and Miss Grass. High-top tables with tablets are located in the center of the retail floor, allowing patients to browse the selection before making their purchase. It’s clear that the dispensary is aiming for a homey, comfortable feel that isn’t overwhelming to customers or overly sterile to patients who may be looking for an alternative to their previous medical experiences.
As the 47th Medical Alternative Treatment Center (ATC) and 60th licensed dispensary to open statewide, Garden State Botanicals is currently exclusively serving medicinal patients. While they are working toward branching out into the adult-use industry, they want to emphasize that medicinal cannabis will continue to take precedence.
“We want to provide the utmost medical care to our patients,” says Manise. “So often I’ve felt that medicinal patients are slighted once dispensaries make the transition to recreational. While we are working towards expansion, we will continue to prioritize our patients.”
The strong emphasis on alternative medical care is rooted in the dispensary’s personal history. After owner Patricia Nasshorn’s husband sadly lost his battle with brain cancer in 2014, she began doing extensive research on the many potential benefits of medical marijuana, both for cancer patients and those living with other challenging conditions and illnesses. When New Jersey announced its medical marijuana program expansion in 2019, Nasshorn obtained her own Alternative Treatment Center (ATC) Dispensary permit under the name Garden State Botanicals, LLC.
Samantha Quinlan, Garden State Botanicals’ General Manager, says that each employee has their own personal history with medicinal cannabis as well. “Before joining the cannabis industry, I was a medical patient using cannabis to treat chronic migraines,” says Quinlan. “I want to ensure we offer the best care and compassion towards New Jersey’s medical cannabis patients.” This sentiment being shared between the entire staff, from owner to budtender, hopefully proves that this dispensary will remain dedicated to its patients.
Now open, Garden State Botanicals hopes to offer top-quality products to patients in North Brunswick and across the state. With their extensive experience and knowledge in the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes, their goal is to help patients and recreational customers alike shop quickly and be guided toward the right products for their needs.
Those registered with the New Jersey Medicinal Cannabis Program (NJMCP) can stop in daily from 10a.m. to 6p.m. For those without a medical card, follow @gardenstatebotanicals on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on adult-use expansion, events, and more.