The cannabis community in Jersey City will be getting another business just after the Memorial Day holiday as Cream Dispensary will soon be launched just off the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza.
Jersey Digs broke the news on the planned dispensary almost two years ago. The Hard Grove Cafe formerly occupied the 284 First Street storefront before shuttering last year.
Founded by Heinrich Badenhorst, AJ Prasaguet, Nicole Renzi, and John Caracciola, Cream Dispensary aims to break away from the conventional, impersonal dispensary model by emphasizing education and customer engagement in its business plan.
“We sell a large selection of premium cannabis flower products and edibles but in a modern and edgy environment that is intended to reflect the vibrant and diverse culture of Jersey City,” says Badenhorst. He adds that on any given day at Cream Dispensary, customers might find anything from an educational workshop to a DJ is spinning records in the middle of the store. Customers are encouraged to mingle or chill with Cream’s clerks, who will be playfully referred to as “The Budtenders.”
Cream Dispenary is run by Badenhorst, who grew up on a farm in South Africa and moved to the U.S. after earning a degree in Business Management and Industrial Psychology. A.J. Prasaguet, his partner in the endeavor, worked 25 years in the hospitality industry before a consulting endeavor with a San Francisco-based cannabis dispensary blossomed into a full-fledged partnership.
“The benefits of cannabis are profound,” says Prasaguet, whose own cannabis journey began after a serious snowboarding accident. Doctors predicted an 18-month recovery after the incident, but he says he rebounded in 90 days with the help of cannabis.
The dispensary noted both Sativa and Indica strains will be available, including Jack Herer and Blueberry Kush. Cream will also distribute cannabis extracts that can be consumed through vaping, dabbing, or adding to food or drinks.
The dispensary has a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled with Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop set for 1 p.m. on Friday, May 31. They can be followed on Instagram at the handle @thatcreamlife.
