Co-founding couple, Maxwell and Lauren Chang Thompson are taking steps to open the Blue Violets cannabis dispensary on Washington Street. With approval from the city’s Cannabis Review Board, the pair spoke before the Planning Board at City Hall to review their plans and address questions and concerns. Blue Violets has gotten closer to opening a dispensary in Hoboken than any previous shop’s attempts. For some of their highlights, this business is woman and New Jersey resident owned, founded by medical and legal professionals, and has a progressive social responsibility plan. They stand out with an attempt at making cannabis use a luxurious experience, as seen based on their website.
Blue Violets boasts its goal: “It is our mission to become one of New Jersey’s finest cannabis dispensaries through our focus on exceptional product quality, unique consumer education, and positive community impact.” This statement met opposition at City Hall when residents voiced their concerns about a cannabis dispensary being in close proximity to All Saints Episcopal Day School, Hoboken Charter School, and Stevens Institute of Technology. More specifically, resident Mary Ondrejka stated that opening a cannabis dispensary would “alter the fabric of the neighborhood.” Another resident, Elizabeth Urtecho, questioned why Washington Street specifically was chosen. The Thompsons responded that the location was picked due to availability as well as the proximity to Weehawken, which is expensive, has a ban on cannabis sales, and is their town of residence.
Another concern involved the store’s method of accepting customers in such a small space due to the fear of a queue extending out the door. The Thompsons pointed to their appointment-only model which will be followed for the foreseeable future. It was later mentioned that although a queue is not technically allowed, many other businesses on Washington Street are pardoned when a queue does form and it would be unreasonable to hold this possible occurrence against the Blue Violets, especially when there is no reason to believe it will be an issue. Additionally, they are planning a soft opening to reduce a sudden influx of customers and gain more information about the level of interest. The dispensary will be open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with four or five employees in the store at a time. The ground floor will have a capped capacity of 14 people at a time.
Despite the numerous concerns from residents, the Blue Violets cannabis dispensary was unanimously approved by the commissioners on the board. Another cannabis dispensary was scheduled to present at the City Hall meeting but was postponed to October 13 due to time constraints.
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