Nestled in Williamstown, New Jersey, Releaf Cannabis Dispensary stands as a testament to innovation and inclusivity in the evolving cannabis landscape. This minority-led enterprise has created a space where cannabis exploration becomes personal, inviting customers to discover their personal journey with cannabis.
The founders have crafted Releaf with intentionality, prioritizing accessibility and education alongside premium cannabis offerings. Their approach centers on wellness and holistic experiences rather than simply transactions. By combining knowledgeable guidance with quality products, they’ve created a welcoming environment where both cannabis enthusiasts and newcomers can feel at ease.
Community engagement forms the bedrock of Releaf Cannabis Dispensary business model. The team conducts educational workshops, personalized consultations, and informative sessions designed to empower consumers with knowledge. This commitment to cannabis literacy reflects research findings from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2017) that suggest properly regulated cannabis access contributes positively to both economic development and community health outcomes.
The dispensary’s customer appreciation extends beyond rhetoric into tangible benefits through their thoughtfully designed loyalty initiative. Members gain privileged access to special offers, superior products, and insider information about upcoming events and promotions at their Williamstown location, creating an ecosystem of informed cannabis consumption.
Challenging outdated perceptions drives Releaf’s broader mission. The team works tirelessly to dismantle cannabis stigma by showcasing its potential therapeutic applications and facilitating honest conversations. Their educational initiatives foster a community where cannabis is recognized not as a taboo substance but as a potential contributor to wellness and quality of life.
The Trailblazers Behind the Brand
Releaf’s distinctive character emerges from the diverse experiences and shared vision of its founding partners: Xavier Joyner, Luis Figueiredo, and Britney Bailey, each bringing unique professional journeys to this collaborative venture.
Xavier Joyner oversees operations as COO while maintaining multiple professional identities. With experience as a postal service machine mechanic and background in physical education, Xavier has navigated dual careers since adolescence. “I knew very early that I wasn’t someone who would be comfortable in a job I didn’t like,” he reflects. His coaching passion remains central to his identity even amid entrepreneurial responsibilities. “Cannabis helps me remain even keel and steadfast through whatever I face,” Xavier explains, acknowledging how his partners have adapted business operations to accommodate his continued coaching involvement.
Luis Figueiredo’s path to cannabis entrepreneurship emerged from his experiences as a travel emergency room nurse during healthcare’s most challenging recent period. “Being overworked during COVID made me look for a different way, a different passion,” he shares. A pivotal Massachusetts dispensary visit sparked his entrepreneurial vision: “I told Britney right then, ‘How cool would it be to own a dispensary?’ and I couldn’t stop thinking about it after that.” He subsequently championed the complex licensing process despite numerous regulatory hurdles. “There were times we thought we were in over our heads, but we always had each other. That’s what makes Releaf so great.“
Britney Bailey rounds out the leadership team, contributing clinical insights from her nursing background alongside personal cannabis advocacy. “Post-pandemic nursing is even crazier than before, and I was getting burned out,” she candidly admits. Her long standing appreciation for cannabis as a connector both interpersonally and introspectively, provided motivation when Luis proposed the business venture. “I truly felt like it was going to be impossible and definitely wanted to give up a few times, but we really have the dream team.” She particularly values their independence and self-sufficiency, having built Releaf without external investment backing.
Releaf Dispensary and Neighborhood Integration
“We are an independently owned and operated minority business,” Luis Figueiredo emphasizes. “Relationships with the community are everything to us.” This philosophy manifests through Releaf’s various outreach initiatives; from organizing clothing collection drives to fundraising for local organizations, to educational blog content, and hosting educational forums that challenge cannabis misconceptions.
The Road Ahead for Releaf Dispensary
As Releaf Cannabis Dispensary continues developing its presence in New Jersey’s growing cannabis market, its dedication to wellness education and community enrichment remains at its core. The founders leverage their collective healthcare and educational backgrounds to create personalized cannabis experiences for a diverse clientele.
For this entrepreneurial trio, Releaf transcends typical business objectives, becoming instead a vehicle for social change and an example of determination amid regulatory complexities. Their collective story demonstrates how professional diversity and shared passion can meaningfully contribute to both industry advancement and community wellbeing.
To experience the Releaf difference firsthand, visit their website and follow their journey on Instagram, where you’ll find product highlights, educational content, and upcoming community events that showcase their unique approach to cannabis wellness.
Photo Credits: Releaf Cannabis Dispensary
Veronica Castillo is a Communications Strategist and published writer who brings over a decade of experience from insurance and HR to her current role as Communications Manager at the Minority Cannabis Business Association. Following her early career in insurance law and human resources, she established herself as the Traveling Cannabis Writer, publishing over 200 articles and managing multiple magazine columns while documenting stories across the United States. As a communications specialist and Board Member for MCBA, she develops comprehensive marketing strategies, secures national media coverage, and champions equity in the cannabis industry through policy and empowerment initiatives. Her expertise spans crisis communications, strategic media relations, and integrated marketing campaigns that drive organizational growth and meaningful engagement.
Vee has relocated to Puerto Rico to help build the bridge between the mainland and its colony. You can follow her journey on her website, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn.