1st Black Woman-Owned Dispensary In NJ Now Sells Recreational Weed

WATERFORD, NJ — South Jersey now has another business offering recreational cannabis, and it's New Jersey's first Black woman-owned dispensary.

Holistic Solutions (451 White Horse Pike, Waterford) began recreational sales on Saturday. The dispensary opened in February, serving medical patients.

Suzan Nickelson is both the first woman and the first Black woman to own a cannabis license in New Jersey, according to a news release from Holistic Solutions. Nickelson carries more than 20 years' experience in senior-leadership roles in several state and government departments.

"Despite experiencing firsthand the negative impact of cannabis prohibition," the news release says, "Suzan Nickelson remains steadfast in upholding the teachings about cannabis cultivation and consumption that have been passed down to her by the women in her family. These women, devout herbalists from West Africa and Jamaica, spent generations studying the plant and using its various properties for healing and spiritual purposes. Their knowledge has been passed down for over a millennium."

Holistic Solutions is open from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Medical patients have priority access for quicker check-ins.

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to serve adult-use customers at Holistic Solutions," Nickelson said. "Our mission has always been to provide education and access to natural healing solutions, and we are excited to continue that mission for all of our customers."

The dispensary opened with the help of minority partner Eastbound Collective. The group features cannabis-industry veterans who focus on partnering with minority-, woman- and veteran-owned businesses.

Since New Jersey legalized recreational cannabis in 2021, the state has faced criticism for a lack of racial diversity among licensees, falling short of the Murphy administration's promises to bring social equity to the industry.

Out of 56 cannabis licenses awarded in the early-going, none went to Black owners, according to the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and Rep. Donald Payne Jr. The state denied the accusation when Patch reported on the matter in February 2022. Read more: NJ Denies It Hasn't Licensed A Black Owner Since Legalizing Weed

The state cannabis commission reported progress in this regard last May, stating that half its conditional-license awardees went to minority- and/or woman-owned businesses.

In February, the commission also made $10 million in grants available for developing weed businesses. Under an amendment to state policies passed that month, the commission will give priority in the application process to marginalized applicants and communities that the War on Drugs disproportionately harmed, known as Impact Zones.