Welcome to Village Brands Dispensary: More Than a Cannabis Dispensary

We are not your ordinary flower shop. Village Brands Dispensary was born from a deeply personal mission and a bold vision to reshape what a cannabis dispensary could be. We operate as a premier marijuana dispensary and recreational dispensary serving communities in Broadview & Chicago, IL, & Hoboken, NJ and beyond. But what truly sets us apart is the story behind everything we do and the people who inspire us every single day.

Our roots trace back to 2011 when Dan and Al Harrington founded Viola Brands. Al, an ex-NBA player who played basketball for the Denver Nuggets, was watching his grandmother Viola suffer from glaucoma and high blood pressure. He tried to convince her to try cannabis. She was resistant at first, but when she finally gave it a chance, the changes were immediate. That powerful personal experience ignited a fire that would grow into something far bigger than anyone anticipated. Viola Brands was named after Al’s grandma as a tribute to the woman who inspired it all.

From Viola to Village: Our Evolution

In its earliest days, Viola Brands focused on servicing people who were dealing with cancer and HIV, providing access to quality cannabis products for those who needed them most. From there, the company grew into the recreational market in Colorado, then expanded from Colorado to Oregon. Since 2020, Viola has grown to launch in over 12 different markets and Canada, building generational wealth in Black and Brown communities along the way.

In 2019, Dan created Village Brands Dispensary, which first started as a company acquiring licenses in limited market states. This launched the retail side of the business. The inspiration behind the name is simple and powerful: they say it takes a village to raise a child. That communal spirit is embedded in everything we do. We recognized that big corporations were not connecting with people in the market. They were missing the human element. We are multi-state, but we are home to you. Every location we operate functions as a neighborhood weed dispensary where you feel like you belong the moment you walk through the door. We proudly carry Viola Brands products within our Village Brands Dispensary stores, keeping that founding legacy alive on our shelves.

A Carefully Curated Cannabis Experience

We take our menu seriously. Every product on our shelves goes through a careful curation process based on quality and experience. We do not stock items just to fill space. Whether you are a seasoned cannabis enthusiast or someone stepping into a cannabis dispensary for the very first time, you will find products that have been thoughtfully selected to deliver consistent, enjoyable results. Our team evaluates flower, edibles, concentrates, and accessories with the same discerning eye, ensuring everything meets our standards before it reaches you.

The cannabis industry is projected to exceed $50 billion in the United States within the next several years, and as the market grows, so does the noise. More brands, more products, and more confusion for customers. We cut through that clutter by being your trusted guide. Our budtenders are knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely passionate about helping you find exactly what you need. Whether you are exploring options for relaxation, creativity, social connection, or wellness, we make the process seamless and enjoyable.

Community-Rooted, Customer-Focused

Being a marijuana dispensary in New Jersey & Missouri means being part of a living, breathing community. We do not just exist in our neighborhoods. We invest in them. From supporting local events to creating spaces where education and culture intersect with cannabis, we position ourselves as more than a retail destination. We are a lifestyle brand that blends innovation, culture, and quality into every interaction.

Our approach to customer service centers on understanding your needs before you even have to explain them. Here is what you can expect when you visit us:

• Personalized recommendations tailored to your experience level, preferences, and desired effects
• A welcoming atmosphere where everyone from locals exploring their options to industry insiders feels at home
• Educational resources that demystify cannabis products, consumption methods, and dosing
• Premium product selection featuring carefully vetted brands including Viola Brands
• Knowledgeable staff who combine expertise with genuine warmth and a bit of playful personality

Looking Forward

The cannabis landscape is evolving rapidly, with new markets opening, regulations shifting, and consumer expectations rising. We stay ahead of these developments by remaining adaptable, innovative, and fiercely committed to the communities we serve. As a recreational dispensary with deep roots and a forward-thinking mindset, we are building something that lasts.

Village Brands Dispensary is not just where you buy cannabis. It is where you connect, learn, and discover something new every visit. Stop by our locations in Broadview & Chicago, IL, & Hoboken, NJ and experience what happens when passion meets purpose. We are here to serve you, and we cannot wait to welcome you home.