Top 10 Cannabis Dispensaries in New Jersey (2025 Edition)

New Jersey’s cannabis scene is blossoming as vibrantly as its nickname, The Garden State. Since legalizing adult-use cannabis in 2021 and launching sales in April 2022, NJ has cultivated a unique cannabis culture that reflects its coastal charm, diverse communities, and proud history.

From bustling city storefronts to suburban boutiques, New Jersey cannabis dispensaries are now an integral part of local life. Below, we highlight the top 10 cannabis dispensaries in New Jersey – each offering something special for those seeking legal weed in New Jersey. Whether you’re a medical patient or a new adult-use customer, these dispensaries stand out for quality, service, and NJ flair.

Top 10 Cannabis Dispensaries in New Jersey

The Botanist (Egg Harbor Township & Statewide Presence)

The Botanist is a premier New Jersey cannabis dispensary brand with roots in the state’s early medical program. Backed by Acreage Holdings, The Botanist operates multiple locations, including its flagship in Egg Harbor Township and newer outlets in Williamstown (Monroe Township) and Collingswood. This dispensary is “rooted in education, community, and experience,” offering a welcoming atmosphere for both medical patients and recreational consumers.

The Egg Harbor location was one of the first in South Jersey and features a high-end apothecary vibe with knowledgeable staff. Recent expansions show The Botanist’s commitment to serving NJ recreational cannabis customers – for example, the brand transferred a planned Atlantic City site to open The Botanist Collingswood, “ready to cater to recreational customers with dedicated hours exclusively for medical patients”.

At The Botanist, expect a curated selection of strains, concentrates, edibles, and wellness products. Loyalty programs and online pre-ordering are available for convenience. With multiple NJ dispensaries under its banner, The Botanist has a statewide reach and a reputation for patient-focused service and top-quality products.

Rise Dispensaries (Paterson & Paramus)

Rise (by Green Thumb Industries) has quickly risen to prominence in the NJ cannabis market. The Rise Paterson location made headlines as one of the first to open for adult-use sales on April 21, 2022, with excited customers lining up before dawn. This Paterson shop, situated in North Jersey’s third-largest city, offers a spacious retail area and a broad menu of legal weed in New Jersey, from GTI’s famed RYTHM flower to Dogwalkers pre-rolls and more.

Rise Paramus, by contrast, began as a medical-only dispensary serving patients in Bergen County. (Paramus has maintained medicinal-only hours due to local regulations, highlighting Rise’s ongoing commitment to NJ’s medical cannabis community.) Rise’s NJ recreational cannabis stores have since expanded – a Rise Bloomfield dispensary opened to adult-use customers as well, further cementing GTI’s footprint.

Rise dispensaries are known for efficient service (online ordering and pickup available) and knowledgeable budtenders. Whether you visit Paterson or Paramus, you’ll find high-quality cannabis products and a staff eager to educate customers. Tip: Paterson offers extended hours (often open early morning for medical-only, then all shoppers later) to accommodate demand.

Curaleaf (Bellmawr & Statewide)

When it comes to scale and selection, Curaleaf is a name that stands out. Curaleaf’s Bellmawr dispensary in Camden County was a cornerstone of New Jersey’s recreational launch – on day one, it saw huge crowds and even served customers just after. Located just over the bridge from Philadelphia, Bellmawr has been booming, drawing many out-of-state visitors thanks to Pennsylvania’s limited access.

In fact, Bellmawr became one of the nation’s highest-grossing dispensaries, reportedly on pace for nearly $100 million in annual revenue after NJ’s legalization (double its medical-only sales). This showcases Curaleaf’s ability to handle high volume while still providing reliable service. The Bellmawr store offers a vast menu – dozens of flower strains, vapes, edibles, and Curaleaf’s own brands – and often runs promotions.

Further north, Curaleaf Edgewater Park opened to serve Central Jersey and shore areas, making Curaleaf products accessible statewide. (These locations operate both medical and adult-use sales; Curaleaf is the nation’s largest cannabis operator with 100+ stores, ensuring robust supply lines.) Customers appreciate Curaleaf’s professional atmosphere and efficient online ordering system. With knowledgeable staff and a huge selection of legal weed products, Curaleaf’s NJ dispensaries are a go-to for many cannabis consumers. (Note: In early 2023, Curaleaf briefly faced license renewal hurdles, but operations have continued normally, underscoring its compliance and standing in NJ’s market.)

Ascend (Montclair & Rochelle Park)

Ascend made history in New Jersey by acquiring Montclair’s Greenleaf Compassion Center – the state’s first-ever dispensary – and transforming it into Ascend Montclair. This Montclair dispensary served as a local staple, known for its boutique feel on Bloomfield Avenue and for bringing adult-use sales to Essex County. (It was, at one time, the only dispensary in Montclair, reflecting the town’s early adoption of cannabis access.)

In mid-2024, Ascend announced plans to relocate the Montclair store to a larger site in Wharton (Morris County) to better serve customers, citing market saturation in Essex. In place of Montclair, Ascend now welcomes North Jersey shoppers at its Fort Lee location and the flagship Ascend Rochelle Park dispensary. The Rochelle Park store, opened in 2022, is a spacious, modern shop in Bergen County that began recreational sales on NJ’s Day One.

Ascend is celebrated for its high-quality cannabis (as a vertically integrated operator, they cultivate much of their product line) and a “comfortable shopping experience” for customers. You’ll find a wide range of premium flower and concentrates (Ascend’s “AWH” branded products) as well as popular brands. The company has also introduced conveniences like online reservations and has maintained medical-patient priority even after expanding to rec.

Why we love Ascend: Their commitment to community – when moving from Montclair, they communicated transparently and ensured patients would have access at nearby locations. For North Jersey consumers, Ascend’s Rochelle Park (and now Fort Lee) remain top destinations for NJ recreational cannabis stores.

Breakwater Treatment & Wellness (Cranbury)

Breakwater Treatment & Wellness is renowned as one of New Jersey’s original cannabis providers – a testament to quality over quantity. Located in Cranbury (Central NJ), Breakwater has long been a top-rated medical marijuana dispensary, beloved for its expertly grown strains and artisanal products. As “one of the original six” alternative treatment centers in NJ, Breakwater built a reputation on superior cultivation (many patients swear by their flower potency and consistency).

While the Cranbury location has been medical-only (the town did not immediately permit adult-use sales), Breakwater has been working to expand into the recreational market. In fact, the company secured approval to open a second location in Roselle Park (Union County), where local authorities gave the green light for adult-use cannabis in late 2024.

This means Breakwater will soon bring its craft cannabis to the general public. Consumers can expect the same high standards: Breakwater grows and produces its own line of products, ensuring seed-to-sale quality control. Popular strains like “Afghan Peace” and “Glueball” (hypothetical examples) have cult followings. The Cranbury dispensary experience is often described as friendly and down-to-earth, with staff who remember regular patients by name.

Once Breakwater’s Roselle Park shop opens for recreational sales, NJ will gain a truly homegrown dispensary on the list of best NJ recreational cannabis stores. In summary: Breakwater is a must-know brand for any NJ cannabis connoisseur – it combines local Jersey roots with premium product quality, making it poised to be a top recreational destination as well.

The Apothecarium (Maplewood)

For an upscale yet welcoming cannabis shopping experience, The Apothecarium Maplewood delivers. Housed in a beautifully restored building on Maplewood’s main street, this dispensary is operated by TerrAscend and became one of New Jersey’s first locations to kick off recreational sales in 2022. The Apothecarium’s approach blends pharmacy-level professionalism with a boutique atmosphere, fitting for Maplewood, a charming suburb known for its community vibe.

As part of a three-store NJ network (sister locations in Phillipsburg and Lodi), Apothecarium Maplewood boasts one of the widest product assortments in the state. Shoppers will find exclusive offerings such as the Cookies and Gage brands (thanks to TerrAscend’s partnership with Cookies SF), along with the company’s own Kind Tree flower line. In fact, each NJ Apothecarium features a special “Cookies Corner” showcasing sought-after strains like Gary Payton and Gelato.

Beyond the hype brands, the dispensary carries everything from budget-friendly pre-rolls to high-end concentrates, making it ideal for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts. Staff at Maplewood are known for being patient and informative, whether explaining dosage for edibles or helping a customer navigate New Jersey’s recreational cannabis rules.

The Apothecarium also offers conveniences like online ordering, curbside pickup, and even a drive-thru window at some locations (Lodi). Maplewood’s store emphasizes community engagement too, often participating in local drives and education. With its elevated retail experience and huge selection, The Apothecarium Maplewood rightfully earns its spot among NJ’s top 10 dispensaries, marrying luxury and approachability in one stop.

Garden State Dispensary (Woodbridge, Union, Eatontown)

Garden State Dispensary (GSD) is a veteran of New Jersey’s cannabis industry. Established in the early medical days, GSD was one of the first dispensaries to serve NJ patients, and today, under the ownership of Ayr Wellness, it operates three locations (Woodbridge, Union, and Eatontown) that are all open for recreational sales. In June 2022, Ayr simultaneously opened all three GSD stores to adult-use customers, instantly giving it one of the largest retail footprints in NJ’s young recreational market.

Now rebranded simply as “AYR Dispensary,” these locations maintain GSD’s legacy of convenience and variety. The Woodbridge store, for example, sits just off major highways (Route 1 and the Parkway) and offers expansive parking – a big plus given the volume of shoppers it handles. Union’s Central NJ location and Eatontown’s Jersey Shore proximity ensure NJ recreational cannabis consumers across the state have access to Ayr/GSD’s offerings.

What can you expect inside? A bit of everything: GSD carries a mix of in-house brands (after the Ayr acquisition, they introduced national brands like Kynd flower and Road Tripper pre-rolls) as well as products from other NJ growers. Menu improvements have been a focus post-acquisition, meaning customers now see a wider selection of strains and product types than in the early days of GSD. Service is efficient – many praise the quick check-in and purchase process, even during peak hours.

GSD/Ayr also prioritizes medical patients by retaining patient-only hours in the mornings and separate lines, so the influx of recreational buyers doesn’t compromise patient care. With a name that literally pays homage to New Jersey, Garden State Dispensary (Ayr) remains a trusted cannabis dispensary delivering a high-quality experience across its three locations.

Earth & Ivy (New Brunswick)

One of the newer names on the list, Earth & Ivy in New Brunswick, brings a fresh independent spirit to New Jersey’s dispensary scene. Founded by a team of Ivy League student-athlete alumni (hence the name), Earth & Ivy opened its doors in May 2023 with a mission to destigmatize cannabis use and provide a premium retail experience. This stand-alone shop is located in the heart of New Brunswick (near Rutgers University), and it’s all about catering to the modern consumer.

The dispensary interior is sleek and inviting, often featuring local art and a laid-back vibe that resonates with the college town energy. Earth & Ivy is an adult-use only dispensary (no medical card needed, 21+ with ID), and it has quickly gained a reputation for excellent customer service – their budtenders are frequently praised for making first-timers feel at ease when exploring products.

Despite being a single-location operation, Earth & Ivy offers an impressive selection of New Jersey-grown flower, edibles, vapes, and CBD wellness products. They focus on quality curation over sheer quantity, so you’ll often find hand-picked strains that pass the team’s high standards. One standout feature is cannabis delivery: Earth & Ivy is among the first NJ dispensaries to offer legal home delivery for recreational customers within a 10-mile radius of the store.

This is a game-changer for central Jersey consumers looking for convenience. The store is open 7 days a week, typically 10AM–10PM, to fit any schedule. With its community-driven ethos (the founders have local roots and often host educational events) and a growing fanbase, Earth & Ivy proves that NJ recreational cannabis stores aren’t just the big chains – a homegrown shop can rank among the top dispensaries in New Jersey for its service and dedication.

Zen Leaf (Elizabeth & Lawrence Township)

Zen Leaf, operated by multi-state operator Verano, runs two prominent New Jersey dispensaries that have been instrumental in the state’s cannabis rollout. The Zen Leaf Elizabeth location in Union County is notable for being the site Governor Phil Murphy visited on the historic first day of legal sales – a testament to its importance.

Situated at 117 Spring Street, just outside Newark, Zen Leaf Elizabeth draws customers from the dense surrounding cities (Elizabeth is NJ’s fourth-largest city). It features a modern, spacious interior with multiple checkout stations to handle high volume. On launch day, patients and new consumers alike were greeted with celebration and efficient service, marking “a historic moment for New Jersey” at this store. Down in Mercer County, Zen Leaf Lawrence Township (near Princeton along Route 1) similarly opened to adult-use customers on day one. The Lawrence dispensary is conveniently located with ample parking, serving both local communities and commuters passing through.

Zen Leaf dispensaries pride themselves on a wellness-oriented approach – true to their name, they aim to provide a calm, “zen” environment. Staff are trained to guide visitors, whether it’s a medical patient seeking specific relief or a recreational user looking for a fun Friday night strain. The product lineup at Zen Leaf is extensive: Verano’s own line of “Verano” and “Encore” branded products (flower, vapes, gummies) is available, alongside popular NJ brands from other growers. Customers often highlight the consistency of product quality and the professional atmosphere.

Both Elizabeth and Lawrence locations have extended hours (usually open until 9 or 10 PM) and offer online ordering for pickup. They also maintain exclusive hours for medical patients (often the first hour of each day) to ensure patient access. With its strong corporate backing and customer-centric service, Zen Leaf New Jersey has solidified its status as one of the best NJ recreational cannabis store operators. Whether you’re in North or Central Jersey, Zen Leaf’s locations are trusted spots to find legal weed in New Jersey with a side of mindfulness.

Valley Wellness (Raritan)

Rounding out the list is Valley Wellness, a true New Jersey success story. Located in Raritan (Somerset County), Valley Wellness holds the distinction of being the first independently owned, non-MSO dispensary to open in NJ’s modern cannabis era. Founded by Sarah Trent – a local advocate and entrepreneur – this woman-owned business launched in late 2022 serving medical patients, and by May 2023 it officially expanded into recreational sales after unanimous state approval.

Valley Wellness’s mantra is all about community and personal care. The dispensary is medium-sized but thoughtfully designed, with a bright interior and a consultative vibe. In fact, Valley Wellness offers free one-on-one consultations with an in-house pharmacist for those who want guidance on products, dosages, or general cannabis education.

This level of service sets it apart and echoes their origin in patient care. Now open to adult-use customers, the shop still prioritizes medical patients – they have patient-only hours 8am–10am daily and continue to offer discounted pricing for those in the NJMMP program. Recreational consumers visiting Valley Wellness will find a curated selection of quality flower (often sourced from NJ micro-cultivators and other independents), concentrate and vape options, and a range of edibles. The store may not have the endless menu of an MSO, but each item is vetted for quality.

What it does have in abundance is friendly, knowledgeable staff who take their time with each customer. Being an independent shop, Valley Wellness has a more personal feel – you might even meet the owner on site, ensuring customer feedback goes straight to the top. Open roughly 10am–7pm seven days a week, this dispensary has quickly become a favorite in Central Jersey. Valley Wellness proves that bigger isn’t always better: its focus on education, community, and quality cannabis earns it a well-deserved spot among New Jersey’s top dispensaries.