Women-owned dispensaries work to weed out cannabis misconceptions
Despite cannabis being legally available to buy in nearly half of the U.S. – including New Jersey – stigma surrounding its use remains. For women, especially mothers, who turn to marijuana either recreationally or medicinally, those stereotypes are even harsher. That’s why many female-led shops across the Garden State are making it a priority to weed out those misconceptions in any way they can.
Dharshini Casinathen, co-owner and President of Joyleaf Dispensary in Roselle, New Jersey
Dharshini Casinathen, co-owner of Roselle-based recreational dispensary Joyleaf, agreed that programs can be a great way to dispel stigmas associated with marijuana.
Since opening the shop in December 2023 with Jason Ackerman, founder and former CEO of online grocery delivery service FreshDirect, Joyleaf has hosted several educational-focused events to snuff out stereotypes.
“When we design programs for women, we focus on creating shareable, joyful moments. We want to recreate the camaraderie of a Tupperware party—where friends come together, have a great time, and learn something new. At Joyleaf, we’re excited to see more women exploring cannabis, and we’re dedicated to making that experience as enjoyable and educational as possible,” Casinathen said.
For instance, to mark Mother’s Day this past May, Joyleaf welcomed “cannamoms” and a family member of their choice, age 21 and up, for a joint-rolling class, massages and education about the plant’s benefit. It’s also presented pop-ups specifically highlighting women-owned brands, yoga classes and free ice cream promotions.
Casinathen said, “Many women feel anxious about walking into a dispensary and I remember that feeling myself. It’s clear that for women, we need an invitation or a gentle nudge to step into this space. That’s why we’ve designed programs to create a welcoming environment, ensuring they feel seen and supported from the moment they walk through our doors. These gatherings allow women to come together, explore our offerings, and enjoy a relaxed, educational experience.”
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