Ex-GOP Lawmaker Opens Cannabis Dispensary In Burlington County

RIVERSIDE, NJ — Not many go from politics to selling weed. But Scott Rudder has embraced a unique path into cannabis, opening a dispensary in Riverside.

Rudder was on the Medford Township Council from 1998-2008, serving as mayor during his stint. The Republican went on to the State Assembly, representing the 8th legislative district until January 2014.

In the years since, Rudder advocated for the expansion and legalization of medical and recreational cannabis — NJ Advance Media dubbed him the "Mayor of Cannabis" in 2020. Rudder's newest chapter in the world of weed began last weekend, when Township Green held its soft opening.

The new Riverside dispensary, which Rudder owns and operates, will hold its grand opening at 10:30 a.m. Monday. The event will feature food and beverages, live music and a 20 percent discount for first-time customers.

"Township Green exemplifies what we hoped to achieve by legalizing cannabis in New Jersey," Rudder said in a news release. "We're focused not just on providing a great product but on building a sense of community and bringing commerce to downtown Riverside."

The dispensary will employ about 20 people, most of whom are local residents. William Eliason, Riverside's retired police chief, will lead a security team that also features several local firefighters.

In 2016, Rudder founded the New Jersey CannaBusiness Association, the state's first cannabis trade association. He helped organize and was a top consultant to statewide campaigns to legalize cannabis, leading up to the successful referendum in 2020.

Township Green is located at 15 Scott St.