Verano Holdings’ Zen Leaf Dispensary opened a location in Neptune April 16, the fourth retail storefront to open in New Jersey since Gov. Murphy signed the adult-use cannabis legalization bill on Feb. 22.

“New Jersey’s expansion into adult-use is a significant milestone within a core market of ours, and presents exciting growth potential for Verano,” said George Archos, Verano co-founder and chief executive officer, in a prepared statement. “We have prepared for this eventuality and established vertical integration, which enables us to scale operations in the state efficiently and profitably. At the same time, we’re pleased to continue expanding the Zen Leaf dispensary brand and an elevated cannabis shopping experience in New Jersey and specifically for the Monmouth County patient community.”

Senior Director of Marketing and Communications David Spreckman said the area had a “largely underserved market” within its large population. The only dispensary nearby is in Eatontown.

“There were patients in this community and surrounding communities that were driving at least 45 minutes to an hour to get their medicine. This is a great addition for those people,” Spreckman said.

Orders can be placed online for same-day, in-store pickup. Its menu displays current inventory.

Spreckman said Verano plans to offer products to the adult use market later this year.

The new dispensary, located at 2100 NJ-66 in Neptune Township is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to :005 p.m. on Sunday. This is the multi-state operator’s second of three planned locations, with the third expected to open on the second quarter in Lawrence Township.