Recreational Cannabis Sales Begin At Monteverde NJ In Red Bank

RED BANK, NJ — Recreational marijuana is now being sold in the borough at Monteverde NJ, after the cannabis retailer received its OK from the town for a final construction permit, the manager of the site said.

Brad Shelly of Monteverde said it will celebrate the start of its recreational cannabis business with an official grand opening this Saturday, Feb. 24. Monteverde has already been selling medicinal marijuana.

The dispensary, the first to open in the borough in December for medicinal marijuana, is at 45 North Bridge Ave. Its hours of operation are Mondays to Saturdays from noon to 7 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

But Shelly said this weekend will see expanded hours to mark the official start to recreational sales. On this Saturday, Monteverde is open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned, with attendance by Deputy Mayor Kate Triggiano and Councilmember Laura Jannone, who is a substance abuse specialist and a member of the borough's Cannabis Review Board, a spokesperson for the company said last week.

Monteverde is "proudly woman-owned and led" by physical therapist assistant Elizabeth Egan, the company said. "With over two decades of healthcare experience, Liz's commitment to patient well-being is at the forefront of Monteverde's mission," the company said.

Monteverde NJ is dedicated to creating a space that "prioritizes inclusivity, education, and personalized care," the company added.

Customers can ask about the benefits of cannabis for various health concerns and safe recreational use. Its dispensary representatives will "work closely with both medicinal and recreational patrons, addressing any concerns," the company says.

You can learn more about Monteverde at its website here.

The Borough Council has awarded retail licenses to three cannabis establishments, including Monteverde. The other two are for Canopy Crossroads, 9 West St., and The Frosted Nug, 20 N. Bridge Ave.

The Class 5 retailer licenses don't expire until Dec. 31, 2024, according to the resolutions approved by the council last October.

In Monmouth County, Monteverde is now the fourth recreational marijuana retailer.

Monmouth Wellness and Healing, operator of the NJ Leaf retail cannabis dispensary in Freehold, was awarded an adult-use cannabis license by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission at the Commission’s meeting on June 1, 2023 and began sales June 21.

NJ Leaf joined two other cannabis sellers in the county, Ayr (formerly Garden State) in Eatontown and Zen Leaf in Neptune. Those companies also offer both recreational and medical cannabis.