Sussex Pharms dispensary is a woman-owned, legacy-to-legal cannabis business. It officially opened its doors in Sussex Borough, Sussex County. Owners Stephanie and Patrick Simpson celebrated the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials and community members.
“This has been a three-year journey for Pat and Steph. It’s been a long road,” said Mayor Robert Holowach, who participated in the ribbon cutting.
He noted that Sussex Borough is one of the few towns in the county to approve a cannabis dispensary, reflecting a shift in attitudes.
“It’s a great source of tax revenue,” Holowach remarked.
Stephanie Walsh-Simpson expressed pride in their community-focused mission. “We were determined to open our doors in the heart of Sussex County,” she said. “We’re rooted in family values and community spirit. We’re committed to wellness.”
Patrick, added, “We’ve definitely come a long way since selling weed in parking lots. We can’t forget where we came from. We are legacy to legal—we are this market.”
A New Addition to Main Street
Sussex Pharms is part of a broader revitalization effort on the borough’s main street. The renovated space now includes a welcoming, windowed lobby—an intentional design choice. Because no cannabis products are on display in the front area, it meets state regulations while maintaining a friendly, open atmosphere. The lobby also includes a restroom for customer convenience.
During the grand opening, Last Prisoner Project advocate and entrepreneur Kyle Page tabled in the lobby, highlighting the continued need for cannabis criminal justice reform.
Inside, the dispensary features a cozy, retro-inspired interior with a dark green and tan color scheme. The “bud bar” displays samples of cannabis flower that customers can see and smell, rotating every two weeks.
Featuring New and Craft Cannabis Brands
Sussex Pharms proudly showcases a variety of craft and emerging cannabis brands. These include Bliss, OGeez Gummies, Grön, Onyx, North Lake Supply, and Buoyant Bob of Missouri. They are also the first dispensary Heady NJ has seen offering Cheeba Chews taffy. It’s a nod to the Jersey Shore’s classic saltwater taffy. THC-infused beverages from Major Drinks are also available.
Patrick praised products from GTI Rhythm, Anthologie, and MPX for their quality and affordability.
Committed to Cannabis Education
Education is a priority at Sussex Pharms. The dispensary features educational posters and brochures that explain key terms, cannabinoids, and how cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Safety and responsible consumption information is prominently available.
Meet the Owners
The Simpsons are experienced entrepreneurs with a strong foothold in the hemp industry. They also operate CBD of Newton, located just across the street, and have been active in cannabis advocacy since 2019. Patrick has worked to support hemp interests in Trenton and credits their long-standing team for the smooth launch of Sussex Pharms.
(Full disclosure, this is an advertorial purchased as part of an ad deal with Heady NJ.)
