Cannabis (AKA Marijuana, THC, pot) has been around for a very long time. The plant is one of the oldest crops cultivated by humans. Over the years, archeologists have discovered burned cannabis seeds in the graves of shamans in China and Siberia from as early as 500 BC. As history and cultures progressed, the thin leafy plant became demonized and even banned in many places, including the United States. Fast forward to 2024 where cannabis is now legal in 38 states for medical use and 24 states for recreational use.
As a result of its legalization, many cannabis-related business opportunities have sprouted — so to speak. According to Grand View Research, anticipated growth of cannabis business is expected to rise 21.3% by 2030. Rather than the gold rush of the 1800s, the US is experiencing a “green rush.” In New Jersey alone, over 120 cannabis dispensaries can be found across the state — and growing by the day.
In our area, Kayla Montoro and Jon Fleishman recently opened Conservatory Cannabis Co. (CCC) in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. As craft cannabis connoisseurs, they are focused on providing their customers the best product they can find, not just “whatever is out there.” Montoro explains, “We’re committed to bringing you quality products you won’t get anywhere else. Our team takes the time to get to know the people behind the brand.”
The Spark That Started It All
In 2018, Fleishman experienced the cannabis industry in Colorado. He noticed that the dispensaries were not seedy or iffy. On the contrary, the stores had the look and feel of a normal retail store. Fleishman told himself that if and when the industry came to New Jersey, he wanted to be a part of it.
Fleishman and Montoro make the perfect “blend.” They met while they were working at a casino until Montoro changed careers. While working in the healthcare industry, she discovered the world of alternative therapies, like aromatherapy and herbs. Montoro was so drawn to the subject that she went on to study and receive a master’s in clinical herbal medicine in 2023. With her background in medicinal uses for plants and Fleishman’s investigation of the cannabis business, CCC was a natural creation for the two entrepreneurs.
Although Montoro and Fleishman have done their homework, they also realize that they are “pioneers” in a relatively new industry. Montoro explains, “It’s a business that takes years of work before you’re even operational.” By mustering up plenty of patience and perseverance with business needs from accountants to state regulations, they are determined to succeed by helping their customers and community.
Not Just A Dispensary
The moment you walk into CCC’s beautiful 500-square-foot foyer you get a high-end spa vibe. First, the friendly front desk associate will check you in. Then you enter a 1,500-square-foot retail space — open, airy, and not clinical/dispensary-like. Montoro and Fleishman wanted their business to feel like a greenhouse or musical conservatory — tastefully arranged with a soothing atmosphere of plants and greenery, classic music, and a one-of-a-kind mural featuring the musical notes from The Beatles’, Here Comes the Sun.
As you browse the many options, you may need the advice of a budtender. Think of them as bartenders for cannabis. The CCC team boasts 14 highly experienced cannabis professionals who scout the New Jersey market to find quality products. Their intense research helps customers make the right selections. CCC knows their concierge approach to the business is working. Montoro explains, “A lot of our customers haven’t purchased cannabis before since it’s new to New Jersey. We receive a lot of reviews from first-time customers that tell us how easy it is to feel confident in their purchase after talking with our budtenders.”
Another plus at CCC is the interactive Flower Station — where customers can see and smell the flower prior to their purchase. As they lift a specific flower, its information will pop up on the screen in front of them, so that they can read more about the cultivator, effects, and THC content. In addition, Pick and Place displays allow customers to see, feel, and place dummy packaging onto a reader that shows information about the selection in their hands. These are for non-flower items, such as edibles, vapes, topicals, capsules, and tinctures.
Community Focused
In addition to believing in their product, CCC supports and partners with local businesses to promote each other. For example, CCC has developed a partnership with Tony Mart Presents — a local concert producer that creates free music events including the Somers Point Beach Concerts and Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City. Montoro hopes the partnership will continue all year round with events at local watering holes including Josie Kelly’s in Somers Point and the Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City.
Because the average cannabis customer needs help navigating the diversity of products and understanding quality, CCC also plans to create an educational series. An array of experts will talk about safe consumption, making your own edibles, and more. CCC also has partnered with Garden State of Mind to host a “Paint and Puff” class as well as other cannabis educational opportunities and events in the future.
