The long-anticipated opening of The Other Side Dispensary (TOSD) has officially arrived, marking a significant milestone for the local cannabis industry. Situated in the Heights of Jersey City, TOSD is the first minority-funded and founded luxury dispensary in the country. Opening its doors to a welcoming crowd this past Saturday, the dispensary is set to provide premium cannabis products and an inclusive experience for the community.
“We are thrilled to finally open our doors in Jersey City, our home, and officially join this vibrant industry,” said Dr. Alyza “Beast” Brevard-Rodriguez, founder of The Other Side Dispensary. “The Other Side embodies not just a business, but a testament to my journey and the strength of my community—all fueled by hope for a brighter tomorrow.”
A Community-Driven Vision
TOSD is more than a business; it’s a symbol of resilience and community empowerment. Founded by Dr. Brevard-Rodriguez, a 2x disabled combat veteran, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate, the dispensary stands as a beacon for what minority-owned businesses can achieve. The vision behind The Other Side is to serve as a pillar for social equity and economic growth, proving that the cannabis industry can drive change and opportunity for underrepresented groups.
Dr. Brevard-Rodriguez, a Black, LatinX, LGBTQ+ female, brings a unique perspective to New Jersey’s cannabis scene, shaped by her military service and her background in holistic wellness. Before entering the cannabis space, she founded SW3AT, a wellness studio offering holistic health solutions in Hudson County. Her experience has deeply influenced the dispensary’s mission of combining cannabis with wellness to uplift marginalized communities.
Local Leadership Shows Support
The Other Side’s opening was met with strong support from local leaders. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop shared his thoughts at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, “In Jersey City, we fought for a legal cannabis industry that creates opportunities and jobs for our underserved populations and supports local entrepreneurs. Today, I am proud to welcome The Other Side Dispensary to our vibrant business community. I wish you every success with your new venture.”
Councilmember Yousef Saleh also echoed the sentiment, “Alyza is a veteran, a woman, a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, and a Jersey City resident. She’s exactly the type of business owner we should be supporting and championing—someone who brings passion, diversity, and a strong sense of community to everything she does. I wish her all the success in this exciting new endeavor and congratulate her on the opening of The Other Side Dispensary in the Heights.”
Education and Empowerment at the Core
The Other Side Dispensary is designed to be a welcoming space for both seasoned cannabis consumers and newcomers. With a curated selection of flower, edibles, pre-rolls, and wellness products, the dispensary aims to meet the diverse needs of its customers while providing an educational experience. Brevard-Rodriguez’s background in holistic wellness is central to TOSD’s mission of promoting well-being through cannabis, and the dispensary offers not just products but also guidance on how cannabis can be incorporated into a wellness regimen.
“Our team is committed to providing a safe, comfortable space for both seasoned consumers and those new to cannabis,” Brevard-Rodriguez stated. “We believe that education and community engagement are vital, and our grand opening is just the beginning of our commitment to both.”
The educational component of the dispensary extends beyond its customers to the community at large. Dr. Brevard-Rodriguez is also an active educator within the Cannabis Studies program at Hudson County Community College, mentoring students and offering real-world insights into the industry. Her efforts in education and community empowerment have earned her praise from her peers and the local business community.
“The Hudson County Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate the grand opening of The Other Side Dispensary,” said Emory A. Edwards, President and CEO of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce. “As a member of the Chamber Board of Directors, Dr. Brevard-Rodriguez is a wonderful, community-engaged partner and a leader in this budding industry. We wish her great success.”
Setting a New Standard in Cannabis
The opening of The Other Side Dispensary represents a significant achievement for Dr. Brevard-Rodriguez, the local community, and the cannabis industry as a whole. It’s not just a new business; it’s a new way of thinking about cannabis, wellness, and entrepreneurship. By prioritizing inclusive investment and operational strategies, TOSD is setting a precedent for future businesses in the cannabis space.
As the first Black, LatinX, LGBTQ female disabled veteran licensed cannabis operator in New Jersey, Dr. Brevard-Rodriguez hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams, especially those from marginalized communities. The Other Side’s commitment to education, quality, and community engagement will undoubtedly make it a cornerstone of Jersey City’s cannabis industry.
Looking to the Future
The grand opening is just the beginning for The Other Side Dispensary. With a focus on sustainability, community involvement, and providing premium products, TOSD is poised to grow alongside Jersey City’s burgeoning cannabis scene. As a business rooted in diversity and empowerment, The Other Side is paving the way for future entrepreneurs who seek to create businesses that reflect their values and give back to their communities.
For those in Jersey City and beyond, The Other Side Dispensary offers a unique cannabis experience that goes beyond consumption—it’s a space for learning, wellness, and community connection.
