About Us

Hoboken for Responsible Cannabis (HRC) recognizes cannabis as a new retail industry in our community. HRC formed organically in response to the lack of study, transparency or public inclusion by Hoboken’s governing body when it established legislation for recreational cannabis dispensaries in Hoboken, as well as the arbitrary and accelerated approval process by the Cannabis Review Board.  HRC believes Hoboken residents should have a voice in the introduction of this new and untested industry within our densely populated, mile-square community.

In February, 2022, Hoboken approved its first cannabis dispensary on the ground floor of a condominium building in the most densely populated area of Hoboken. 

Story Dispensary was approved despite strong concerns raised by residents about the proposed location and the effect on public safety and neighborhood quality of life.

Two months later, Hoboken enacted regulations to limit the number of dispensaries in the city and protect school zones. But applications that had already been submitted were not required to follow the new regulations.

In April 2022, Blue Violets Dispensary was approved in a location 250 feet from two primary schools.

The improper locations of both Story and Blue Violets energized residents to advocate for the responsible implementation of cannabis dispensaries.

In October 2022, Hoboken for Responsible Cannabis, Inc. (HRC) was established to consolidate advocacy efforts and provide a platform to communicate and respond to Hoboken’s decisions regarding the implementation of cannabis dispensaries.

HRC is currently focused on the “pre-opening” phase of the cannabis dispensaries including the city approval process and retail locations.  Once the dispensaries open, we will focus on quality of life issues, enforcement of local and state laws and supporting substance abuse and awareness education programs for residents, children and schools.