The weekend of September 29, 2024, marked a significant milestone in New Jersey’s cannabis industry with the grand opening of CannaVibes Dispensary. This locally, woman-owned and operated cannabis dispensary is not just a business venture but a testament to one woman’s journey of healing, perseverance, and community service.
About Linda Solana and Her Journey to Open CannaVibes
Linda Solana was born in New Jersey in 1963 to Cuban parents and has always been on a mission to heal a piece of the world. Her latest venture, CannaVibes Dispensary, represents the culmination of her passions and heritage. “I’m a healer and so happy I can do this for a living,” Linda shares, reflecting on her journey from the corporate world to pet care entrepreneur, and now to cannabis advocate and business owner.
The path to opening CannaVibes was far from smooth. Linda faced many challenges, including a 2½-year battle with local municipalities to secure zoning approval. “What challenges didn’t I face,” Linda recalls. “From having to drive to Trenton to get my WMBE (Woman, minority-owned enterprise) to getting ghosted by many in the industry. I attended every single planning board, mayor, and council meeting for 2½ years to have them change all their ordinances and allow me to open at this location.”
CannaVibes is Focused on Being a Sanctuary of Healing
CannaVibes isn’t just another dispensary; it’s a beacon of hope and a place for the community to, as Linda puts it, “catch a vibe.” The store’s unique atmosphere is immediately apparent to visitors. “I built my dispensary to have a feel-good vibe when you enter. It feels safe and we care about everyone who walks in,” Linda explains.
This focus on creating a welcoming environment stems from Linda’s personal experiences, including her battle with cancer. “My experiences in life have made me who I am,” she reflects. “Cancer was a big life changer. It made me realize how valuable every moment of life is. I evolved after that experience.”
CannaVibes Community Impact and Future Plans
With the grand opening, CannaVibes has already created ten jobs, boasting a diverse team that Linda feels “very lucky to have.” Looking ahead, Linda aims to transition from a conditionally licensed dispensary to a standard licensed dispensary within a year.
The impact on the local community is at the forefront of Linda’s mind. “Educating and removing the stigma. Help those who need the medicine,” she lists as her primary goals. The dispensary plans to host various events, including a “puff and paint” session scheduled for November.
Q&A with Linda Solana
Q: What makes your store unique in the local market?
A: “My passion is to help others with cannabis; cancer survivors, people with pain, and those who can’t sleep. I built my dispensary to have a feel-good vibe when you enter. It feels safe and we care about everyone who walks in.”
Q: What can customers expect when they visit your store?
A: “Love. They will feel safe and taken care of. Our product specialists are very knowledgeable and make you feel at home. There is a special Vibe in my dispensary. You feel it as soon as you come in. We want everyone to feel like family when they experience CannaVibes!”
Q: Are there any special promotions/discounts that visitors can look forward to?
A: “Yes through joining CannaVibes loyalty rewards program. It’s a tiered program that allows you to sign up and gain points with purchases. Those points turn into money: 100 points= $3 off, 250 points = $10 off, and so on. We also had/have various grand opening sales that range from percentages off to BOGO deals.”
Visit and Catch a Vibe with CannaVibes Dispensary
As CannaVibes Dispensary opens its doors, it stands as more than just a cannabis retailer. It’s a reflection of Linda Solana’s life journey, a sanctuary for those seeking healing, and a vibrant addition to the community. With its focus on education, quality, and inclusivity, CannaVibes is poised to become a cornerstone of New Jersey’s evolving cannabis landscape.
In Linda’s words, “We are going to have a lot of fun events.” As the dispensary embarks on this new chapter, we invite the community to join in, learn, and catch a vibe.”
Veronica Castillo is known as the Traveling Cannabis Writer. Her body of work includes educational and informative insights on cannabis and various plant medicines, and she travels the country to provide insight on cannabis-friendly travel. She is a collaborator, connector, content creator, and traveler who specializes in bringing to light the hidden gems in the plant space. Follow her journey: veetravelingvegcannawriter.com / #travelingcannabiswriter
