This September, Cannavibes Dispensary in Elmwood Park, NJ is celebrating its one-year anniversary thanks to you, our incredible customers and community. From the start, our mission has been to create more than just a cannabis dispensary. We set out to build a welcoming home where education, compassion, and premium products are all in one gorgeous place. We interviewed our amazing leader, Linda Solana, one of only a few female dispensary owners in New Jersey.
How Cannavibes Began
Owner Linda Solana’s path to opening Cannavibes is deeply personal:
“I was always a cannabis user,” Linda says. “Being born in the ’60s, my friends and I would go to isolated areas to smoke and talk about being alive to see cannabis legalized. The fact that I was still alive was so amazing. I smoked to relieve my anxiety and focus.”
When Linda was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, cannabis became more than just a pastime:
“I had two major operations and was left with a ton of meds and horrible nausea bouts. At first I’d run to the hospital, but then I found RSO (Rick Simpson Oil). I started using it regularly, and today I’m off all prescription meds. Cannabis saved me in a way and I wanted to help others like it has helped me.”
That healing journey inspired Linda to open Cannavibes and share the benefits of cannabis with the Elmwood Park community.
A Year of Hard Work, Love, and Success
What does Linda credit for Cannavibes’ first year of success?
“Hard work and customer service. When you walk into my dispensary it’s like getting embraced. The vibes are so high, and we truly care about our customers. We know them by name, we know what they like, and we want them to leave satisfied and happy.”
Over the past year, Cannavibes has proudly offered a curated selection of premium cannabis flower, edibles, vapes, concentrates, and RSO products paired with personalized guidance from a knowledgeable team.
Memorable Moments That Inspire
Linda’s most meaningful memories aren’t about numbers, they are about lives touched:
“Helping those who are sick has been the highlight of this year. One story that stays with me is of a daughter whose dad had cancer in his final stages. I was able to give her medicine that gave him the best quality of life. She sent me videos of him out to dinner with them. He eventually passed, but knowing we made his last days full is why I do this.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Cannabis and Cannavibes
Linda is hopeful about the future of cannabis in New Jersey and nationwide:
“I hope we find common ground. Cannabis should be completely legal and we should be able to grow our own. We need this medicine to be accessible to all adults. Cannabis has been used as medicine since ancient times, and we should celebrate that history.”
Her vision for Cannavibes is just as inspiring:
“Fields of dreams. I hope the stigma that still exists goes away. More people should become educated and learn that this female plant can help so many. Some use it just to feel better and that’s okay. We all use things that make us feel better. Some are damaging and dangerous. Cannabis…not.”
Words of Wisdom for Future Dispensary Owners
For anyone dreaming of joining the cannabis industry, Linda offers this advice (with a touch of humor):
“Hold on to your underwear! Believe in yourself. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve done (stressful, expensive, and hard work) but it’s very rewarding. Helping those who walk through our doors and making them feel at home is amazing. You need thick skin and a lot of belief.”
Join the Celebration on September 27th!
Cannavibes wouldn’t be here without your support. We invite you to join us the weekend of September 27th as we celebrate one amazing year of serving Elmwood Park and beyond.
Expect special deals, good vibes, and a big thank-you for making Cannavibes your trusted Elmwood Park cannabis dispensary.
Here’s to another year of healing, happiness, and high vibes. From all of us at Cannavibes, thank you for being part of our journey with cannabis.