Dispensaries across New Jersey plan to mark 420 – the biggest day of the year for cannabis culture – with a wide range of promotions and events.

This year, April 20 falls on Sunday, a slower day for in-store transactions. And it’s Easter, which has prompted many businesses to begin offering discounts to shoppers who are searching for deals earlier.

In the days leading up to 420 and on the actual holiday itself, dispensaries across legal markets can see sales rise by as much as 50% compared to typical daily averages.

In New Jersey, recreational cannabis sales hit record highs in 2024 during 420 and Green Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. According to the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, Green Wednesday sales totaled more than $6 million slightly surpassing 420 sales of $5.8 million. The state’s legalized industry surpassed $1 billion in combined medicinal and recreational cannabis sales last year.

The majority of the 200-plus dispensaries that have opened in New Jersey over the past three years have something planned for 420 this year, from grand opening ceremonies to festivals with food trucks and even celebrity appearances.

Ahead of the holiday, the CRC issued a reminder that sampling and consuming cannabis is not allowed at retail dispensaries.

The highlights

At Sanctuary in Scotch Plains, General Manager Jillian Atkins said, “This 420, we’re going all out for the community that’s supported us from day one. Whether you’re here for the celebration, the giveaway, or just good conversation, Sanctuary is your home for cannabis connection.”

The Route 22 store’s weekend itinerary includes a 3-ounce cannabis giveaway, brand pop-ups, promotions and surprise swag. It will also unveil a community garden on Earth Day (April 22) to serve as a space for local residents and patients to connect, learn and contribute to a greener future.

After holding a soft opening in March, The Medicine Woman – a Jersey City dispensary co-owned by rapper and actor Ice-T and model-turned-cannapreneur Charis Burrett – will have its official grand opening celebration April 19.

The festivities include a ribbon-cutting ceremony as well as a meet-and-greet with Ice-T and his wife, Coco Austin. Taylor Kinney, an investor in The Medicine Woman and actor known for his role in NBC’s “Chicago Fire,” will also be on hand.

Burrett said, “We’re excited to celebrate with the community and share what makes The Medicine Woman so special … Bringing The Medicine Woman to Jersey City is about more than just opening a store—it’s about building a space where people can feel empowered to take control of their wellness journey.”

Ice-T added, “This isn’t just a grand opening; it’s a movement. I’m proud to be part of something that’s changing the conversation around cannabis, giving people access to products they can trust and providing opportunities to the New Jersey community.”

Reason to celebrate

Sparkology, a new woman-owned recreational dispensary in Franklin Park, will also hold a grand opening April 20. Highlights of the “420 Sparkfest” include product drops; discounts for medical card holders, veterans, first responders and seniors; giveaways and photo ops.

Neepa Marfatia, who opened Sparkology last month with Riki Rimberg, said, “To me, this grand opening is more than just launching a business. It represents years of hard work, resilience, and navigating a system that hasn’t always made it easy. It’s about breaking barriers, building trust, and showing what’s possible when you stay committed to your vision and your community.”

With the doors now fully open, the brand intends to set a new benchmark for cannabis culture and fair pricing. It also aims to elevate cannabis retail through education, high-quality minimalist design and community engagement.

Community minded

Anja, a self-funded, minority-owned dispensary in Highland Park, will hold its third annual 420 celebration. Known as Anja Fest, the community event for ages 21 and up seeks to destigmatize cannabis and create positive, community-driven experiences. This year it is scheduled for April 19 and includes music, art, activities, food trucks, and more than $10,000 worth of prizes and giveaways.

Kirill Satanovsky, Anja chief operating officer, said, “Anja Fest is more than just a 420 Event, it’s a celebration of everything we’ve been able to achieve with Anja. Seeing it grow from a small event in an unfinished parking lot, to a full-on block party with renowned headliner Snacktime is truly incredible. I’ve been doing events for 15 years, and even though they take a tremendous amount of work, I love bringing people together and creating unique memorable experiences.”

Julio Casado, co-founder and CEO, added, “In terms of the future of Anja Fest, we’ve discussed what it would look like to grow beyond a 420 day event outside the dispensary, whether it be moving it out to a park, doing a more traditional festival, or maybe even doing it over multiple days. Part of it is our responsibility to the store, balancing the needs of the community, what our customers are looking for, and of course making sure that the store is experiencing growth within itself as a business. But in an ideal world, we will continue to grow Anja Fest for many years to come!”

The Cannabist in Vineland plans to host a 420 farmers market celebration for consumers ages 21 and up. From April 18-20, the event will feature a variety of promotions, fun activities and exclusive offers, including discounts, giveaways, DIY stations, food trucks and more.

Highlights include making flower bouquets with a Bloom purchase, free hand massages, mocktails based on edibles flavors and fresh produce.