Nightjar Plans Grand Opening For Bloomfield Cannabis Dispensary

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — New Jersey’s budding legal weed industry is still largely dominated by “Big Cannabis” corporations. But the owners of a new recreational marijuana dispensary in Bloomfield hope to help even the playing field when they officially open Nightjar this week.

Nightjar, a women and minority-owned cannabis dispensary located at 549 Bloomfield Avenue, will hold a grand opening celebration at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 12. Cozz Coffee will be at the store from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. offering a complimentary espresso bar and coffee for Nightjar’s first customers.

The dispensary will offer 20 percent off all purchases for its opening weekend.

After its grand opening event, Nightjar will be open to customers Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Learn more here.

Nightjar was one of 48 New Jersey businesses that recently earned a combined $12 million in state grants under the Cannabis Equity Grant Program. Read More: NJ Marijuana Businesses Get $12M In 'Equity' Funding

Owned by Soulstar Holdings, the team includes Francesca DeRogatis, COO, her father and executive director, Gary DeRogatis, Amanda Rositano, president, Katie Covett, CAO, and Rosanna Diaz Abrahamse, founder.

DeRogatis said the goal is to “take cannabis out of the shadows and into its prominent place in our community.”

“Nightjar is a labor of love and we’ve crafted this store to normalize the cannabis shopping experience,” DeRogatis said. “With this approach, we hope our community will feel more comfortable exploring and purchasing cannabis products and contributing to a sustainable, legal cannabis industry in New Jersey.”

DeRogatis said there are many documented medical benefits to using cannabis – which is also a “way to unwind,” get creative or “make life a little more vibrant” for many people. And that’s not to mention the financial boost to the town’s municipal coffers.

“For communities, cannabis brings much needed tax revenue to support schools and other local infrastructure and can revitalize downtown communities, like Bloomfield Center, by bringing foot traffic to other nearby shops,” DeRogatis said.

Since New Jersey legalized recreational cannabis, Bloomfield has seen several proposals from companies who want to bring a dispensary to the township.

DeRogatis previously told Patch that Bloomfield was a first-choice location for the dispensary.

“With roots in Essex County, the team wanted to give back and make an impact in the community, and in particular, be a part of its revitalization and growth,” she said.

• See Related: Female-Led Bloomfield Dispensary Will 'Bring Cannabis Out Of Shadows'
• See Related: Working With Weed: NJ Cannabis Dispensary Shares Tips For Job Seekers

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