Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc., a multi-state cannabis operator, has announced a landmark partnership with Mister Jones, LLC and adult-use cannabis advocate Lerone Jones to open a new dispensary in Little Falls Township.
The partnership is one of the first established under New Jersey’s recent Assembly Bill A4151, a legislative move designed to facilitate expanded investment opportunities and support for diversely owned businesses within the state’s burgeoning cannabis industry.
Mister Jones Dispensary, located at 655 US-46, Little Falls Township, is set to open its doors on Dec. 19th.
The agreement sees AWH providing comprehensive support to Mister Jones, LLC, including:
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Upfront capital and funding for the retail space.
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Steady product flow, including AWH’s in-house product portfolio.
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Technical and operational assistance for backend support.
Bill A4151, which became law in September 2023, permits existing licensees and investment funds to acquire a larger equity stake (up to 35%) in certified minority, women, and disabled-veteran owned businesses. This is a critical provision intended to unlock the necessary capital that many conditional licensees, including those from historically impacted communities, have struggled to secure. The law also includes protections against predatory lending by preventing the controlling interest from reverting to the investor in case of default.
Lerone Jones, the founder of Mister Jones, LLC, brings extensive industry knowledge, having previously served as a Floor Supervisor at Ascend Montclair. Jones has long been an active advocate for adult-use cannabis, with his vision for Mister Jones being informed by a 2017 trip to study Nevada’s legal cannabis market.
“I am excited to rejoin Ascend in this new capacity and to continue our shared mission of making cannabis accessible and beneficial for all,” Jones said. “This partnership reflects my belief in the potential of this industry to create jobs and stimulate growth in our communities, especially those negatively impacted by The War on Drugs. Together with Ascend, I am eager to establish a retail presence that prioritizes education for our customers.”
Mister Jones Dispensary will operate daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. A grand opening celebration, featuring giveaways and promotions, is scheduled for Dec. 19th.
