ROSELLE, NJ — Joyleaf Recreational Weed Dispensary celebrated its grand opening on Thursday, Feb. 29. In attendance were Councilwoman-at-Large Denise Wilkerson; Samantha Carpio, director of Economic Development for Roselle; and Renaee Smith, president of the Roselle Chamber of Commerce.
Located at 711 E. First Ave. in Roselle, Joyleaf had a soft opening in December. Founder Dharshini “Dharsh” Casinathen discovered that cannabis heals the body when she had gut issues and women’s issues back in 2018. She learned the history and science of the plant and together with business partner, Jason Ackerman, created Joyleaf.
Casinathen’s vision for Joyleaf is to establish a one-to-one experience to cater to individual requirements of the shopper. “Like a grocery store, different aisles are based on needs — socializing, sleep, chilling out after work,” she said.
The location of Joyleaf is in the spot of a factory owned by Ackerman’s family for 50 years. “In the ’70s, it was a manufacturing business,” he said. “Times change.”
Ackerman was the founder and CEO of FreshDirect and interim CEO of TerrAscend, and he currently has six board and adviser roles, including with Naked Marketing and The Boston Consulting Group. He said he believes that, with so
