Al Harrington Will Launch Village Dispensary in His Home State of New Jersey

[PRESS RELEASE] NEW YORK, September 9, 2024 - Village Brands, a multi-state cannabis operator founded by industry pioneers, Al Harrington and Dan Pettigrew, is officially opening its first East Coast location in New Jersey. 

After helping his grandmother find treatment for her glaucoma with cannabis, Harrington teamed up with Pettigrew to start Viola to help others in her honor. The duo then founded Village Brands in an effort to expand their footprint and open dispensaries nationwide.

“I’m grateful to have the opportunity to bring my love of and experience in the cannabis industry over the last 13 years to Jersey,” said Harrington. “It’s a full circle moment to open a dispensary in the state where I was stopped and frisked as a kid who had never even touched flower.”

In addition to expanding access to the medicinal benefits of cannabis, Harrington also works to ensure that the history of prohibition and its disproportionate impact on communities of color is centered by continuously advocating for expanded access and opportunity for people of color in the cannabis space. Harrington and Pettigrew were proud supporters of the NJ CAN 2020 campaign to end prohibition in New Jersey. 

RELATED: Spreading the Wealth: Al Harrington, 16-year NBA veteran and CEO/co-founder of Viola Brands, is on a mission to bring opportunity to the people most affected by the war on drugs.

Sticking to the hyperlocal focus of the company, the retail location will cater to the needs of the many professionals living in the area by providing quality customer service in a timely manner. The dispensary will feature a wide array of products including those produced by the duo’s landmark brand, Viola.

To commemorate the official opening on September 21st, Village will be partnering with local business to offer deals and promotions, kicking off Village’s initiative to foster community and champion other local Hoboken businesses. 

“We’re excited to open our first East Coast location. A lot is happening in the industry and we look forward to continuing to grow our brands in New Jersey and beyond,” said Pettigrew.

About Village:
Village Brands ("Village") is a multi-state cannabis operator founded in 2019. Started by industry veterans Al Harrington and Dan Pettigrew, founders of Viola Brands, Village is dedicated to delivering premium cannabis experiences. With a strong focus on newly legalized states and select licensed municipalities, Village is committed to shaping the future of the cannabis industry. Village currently operates retail dispensaries in Illinois, Missouri, and New Jersey.