Valley Wellness starts recreational cannabis sales

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Valley Wellness has become the latest medical dispensary to enter New Jersey’s legalized marketplace for recreational cannabis sales.

After the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission unanimously approved the company’s application to expand operations into the personal-use market, the Raritan-based business officially began serving adult-use customers May 3.

Founded by Sarah Trent, Valley Wellness is the first independently owned dispensary to open in the state, the second to launch in Somerset County and one of the few ventures not run by a multistate operator.

After opening in December 2022, the woman business owned enterprise (WBOE) was licensed to sell only medical-use cannabis products, such as flower, vape cartridges, lotions and concentrates. However, amid a continuing decline in the number of patients enrolled in the state’s medical marijuana program, medical dispensaries, such as Trent’s, are increasingly seeking state approval to offer adult-use sales as a way to capture the emerging market.

According to Trent, medical patients will be prioritized and have continued access to discounted products. The dispensary will also offer patient-only hours from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily.

As part of its commitment to providing personalized care, Valley Wellness offers free consultations with its in-house pharmacist and knowledgeable staff. Online ordering is also available.

Located at 407 Route 202, Valley Wellness is open for both recreational and medicinal sales 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

Trent, who was named to NJBIZ’s Power 100 and Health Care Power 50 lists earlier this year, is known for her commitment to promoting responsible use of the product, as well as creating an educated workforce in the budding industry.

In March 2020, the West Windsor native and attorney founded NJ Cannabis Certified, a 15-hour educational certificate program taught virtually in conjunction with eight community colleges across the state that is geared toward those interested in working in the industry or wanting to learn more about cannabis.