Dreams of a green Christmas have South Jersey cannabis shops in high hopes this holiday
When it comes to holiday-season sales, local weed shops have — what else? — high hopes.
"Every year, more and more people are using cannabis as a gift or a stocking stuffer," said Emily Cerana at Nova Farms, a Woodbury dispensary with two Christmas trees before a wall resembling a field of marijuana buds.
"There is a real impact when it comes to the holidays and shopping (for cannabis products)," added Anthony Minniti at Camden Apothecary, a dispensary decorated with a sprig of artificial marijuana leaves made to look like mistletoe
Those shops and others are making a strong effort to boost sales during the first holiday season for recreational cannabis in New Jersey.
Bank filing insurance claims Up in smoke? Parke Bancorp confirms theft of $9.5M in cannabis cash
For instance, Curaleaf has rolled out a vape oil with "a festive flavor profile, Holiday Cookies," noted a spokeswoman for the chain with local stores in Bellmawr, Edgewater Park and Bordentown.
And a Voorhees dispensary urges customers "dreaming of a green Christmas" to create "cannabis gift baskets."
"Give yourself impressive gifts for stoners," suggests the website at Eastern Green Dispensary on Route 73.
Daylite Cannabis in Mount Laurel is one of several shops reporting strong sales for gift cards, which allow a recipient to make decisions about the grade and dosage of their purchase.
"We just stocked new THC-infused chocolates and caramels, which also make a great stocking stuffer," said Steve Cassidy, the Route 73 store's owner.
In Woodbury, Cerana noted pre-rolled joints have been a popular stocking stuffer, along with lighters and other small items.
And Minniti reported similar demand for accessories like a pipe that resembles a miniature hot dog, in a bun, beneath a drizzle of ketchup.
The holiday season opened with a burst at Camden Apothecary, which is next to Minniti's drugstore, Bell Pharmacy, at Haddon and Kaighn avenues.
"We were the only dispensary open on Thanksgiving Day, and it turned out to be our busiest day so far," said Minniti. He also noted a trade in travelers taking ride services from Philadelphia's airport for a quick cannabis pickup in South Jersey.
Said Cerana, "We actually just opened our drive-thru about two months ago, and that's been really great for the holidays.
"We are also doing extra coupons and stuff … to get more stocking stuffers." she observed.
As Cerana spoke, large video screens promoted sale items with a photo of Santa in sunglasses, a plume of white smoke rising from a joint in his hand.
She also noted her store is offering a discount to customers who bring an ornament to hang on its trees. And shoppers can decorate their own trees with the purchase of bright green ornaments that carry Nova Farms' name.
"It's something for the holidays," she said of cannabis products beneath the Christmas tree. "You have that camaraderie with your family, as well."
Jim Walsh is a senior reporter for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Weed shops across South Jersey are promoting holiday-season sales
