Scott Rudder, one of the most prominent figures in the Garden State’s evolving cannabis landscape, launched his own dispensary in South Jersey.

Township Green opened March 25 at 15 Scott St. in Riverside. The shop offers a menu of premium cannabis flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, vapes, tinctures, edibles and accessories.

Rudder, a former New Jersey state assembly Republican member, military veteran and Medford mayor, commented, “We want Township Green to serve as an example of how to create a sense of community within the cannabis industry. For us, it’s not just about providing a great product. We want Riverside and surrounding towns to feel comfortable here and feel like Township Green is a positive member of the community.”

Rudder is also the founder of the New Jersey CannaBusiness Association. He said he launched the dispensary as part of a commitment to help revitalize and drive foot traffic to Riverside’s downtown business district.

The new dispensary will employ 20 employees — the majority being local residents. Its staff also includes retired Riverside police chief William Eliason as head of security as well as several local firefighters as security personnel.

Creating opportunity

When Rudder first acquired the former bank property, it was a dilapidated, run-down building. However, following five months of renovations, the space has become a first-class facility aimed at providing an enhanced customer experience and sense of community.

Township Green offers a 20% veterans discount, a 10% discount to seniors age 65 and up and 20% discount for all first-time customers.

It also has free parking on Scott Street and in the rear of building, a two-lane drive-thru with pneumatic tubes and easy access to light rail lines.

During a March 25 ribbon-cutting ceremony, state Sen. Troy Singleton, D-7th District, and Riverside Mayor Corey Kimble turned up to celebrate the opening.

Singleton commented, “When we talk about starting a cannabis business in New Jersey, we are talking about what Scott and Township Green have done in Riverside. Scott is focusing on creating opportunities to revitalize a downtown, hiring local residents, and giving back to communities. This is exactly what advocates for legalization had in mind.”

Besides being the first dispensary to open in Riverside, it’s also the latest recreational cannabis store to launch in close proximity to Philadelphia, which currently permits only medical marijuana dispensaries.

After establishing NJCBA in 2016, Rudder served four years as president. Under his leadership, the organization led medicinal cannabis reform efforts to increase patient access, as well as promotions to end stigma and stereotypes associated with the plant.

He returned to lead the NJCBA in August 2023 after Edmund DeVeaux stepped down from his role as president of the influential industry group.