Ocean County's 1st Cannabis Dispensary Is Set To Open At Last

SOUTH TOMS RIVER, NJ — On the 41st day, they celebrated.

The owners of The Social Leaf have received their state license to operate an adult recreational retail cannabis business from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, the culmination of 18 months of work and discussions about launching the business.

On Friday, July 7, the store will open its doors to the public, becoming the first dispensary of any kind in Ocean County, more than two years after New Jersey voters said they supported the legalization of cannabis for adult use.

Two more are in the works: Bloc Dispensary at 501 Route 9 in Waretown, which will be a medical cannabis dispensary, and High Profile Dispensary, which is renovating the former Burger King at 145 Route 70 in Lakehurst.

The Social Leaf, at 334/336 Atlantic City Blvd. (also known as Route 166) is set to open at 8 a.m., the owners, all Ocean County residents, said.

Related: Cannabis Shop Eagerly Awaits Final NJ Approval In South Toms River

They announced the opening on the shop's Facebook page on Thursday morning:

" 'Progress always involves risk; you can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first. Do you wanna be safe and good? Or do you wanna take a chance and be great?' " the group wrote.

"On February 2nd 2022 4 local Ocean County friends got together for a steak dinner at Brandos in Asbury Park. Over Dinner we discussed the opportunity to open a Legal Recreational Dispensary in South Toms River NJ, the first of its kind in Ocean County. After many questions and long conversations pointing out the pros and cons, a deal was struck.

"Since that night there have been many ups downs and everything in between. But in the end one thing always remained, the 4 of us always conquered the very difficult terrain that lied beneath.

"(the four horsemen) We don’t wanna say that we did it all ourselves because none of this would be possible without the support of our Friends Family and loved ones along with the Mayor, Council, Chief of Police and all who supported us in the borough of South Toms River (a very big thank you)

"So now that you know us, we are super excited to get to know each and every one of you. Please join us as we make history and become Ocean County’s First Locally Owned Recreational Dispensary to open its doors on Friday July 7th at 8 a.m. to the Public.. God Bless and we will see you then," the announcement said.