By: | September 2, 2025 | | Red Bank
by Emma Sylvia
Fear of the unknown is nearly universal—which is why even positive new experiences can feel intimidating. Caryn Cohen, a long-time Red Bank resident, knows this feeling well. She’s used that insight as a foundation for Canopy Crossroad, a locally owned dispensary and certified New Jersey Women-Owned business devoted to educating the public about cannabis and its wellness benefits.
Cohen moved to Red Bank in 1998 and has been a medical marijuana patient since New Jersey launched its program—using cannabis to help manage ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Her personal experience, combined with the scientific expertise of her husband, Andy Zeitlin, a chemist with decades of pharmaceutical experience creating life-saving drugs in oncology and neuroscience, inspired them to open Canopy Crossroad. Their goal: to bring thoughtful, evidence-based cannabis education and products to the local community.
A Science-Based, Human Approach
“We wanted to bring a different perspective to cannabis,” says Cohen. “Our mission is to deliver the healing power of the plant—backed by science—to our community and help dismantle the stigma surrounding cannabis.”
The closest dispensary to downtown, Canopy Crossroad is the only Red Bank dispensary that is fully locally-owned and operated. Cohen and Zeitlin are joined by two other local couples as partners, all contributing their unique ideas and perspectives. Unlike corporate chains, Canopy Crossroad is a small, independent business deeply rooted in the local culture.
“We’re not interested in becoming the McDonald’s of cannabis,” Cohen adds. “We care about healing, education, and making this experience comfortable and welcoming.”
Replacing Intimidation with Education
What truly sets Canopy Crossroad apart is its commitment to education. Cohen knows that for many, cannabis can feel overwhelming—whether due to outdated perceptions, stigma, or simply not knowing where to start.
“Education is our top priority,” she explains. “That’s why our team isn’t called budtenders—we call them Canna-Coaches. Think of them like sommeliers. They offer a consultative, individualized experience, helping each customer find the right strain, form, and dosage for their needs.”
Whether someone is seeking help with sleep, pain, or simply looking to explore recreational use, the Canna-Coaches are there to offer support, insight, and guidance in a calm, welcoming environment. The dispensary itself is designed more like a wellness boutique than a typical head shop—encouraging comfort and curiosity over confusion.
“I’ve personally felt overwhelmed in large, corporate dispensaries,” Cohen admits. “We designed our space and our experience to be the opposite—warm, friendly, and informative, with some of the best products in the state.”
Power of the Plant
Cohen is a firm believer in cannabis and its healing properties—and she’s not alone. Her passion is backed by her husband’s scientific background, offering a rare blend of personal conviction and professional credibility. “It’s about natural healing,” she says. “Cannabis has been unfairly stigmatized for far too long, and people are missing out on its benefits. We’re here to change that. I once heard someone say: when five guys share a six-pack, they start a fight. When five guys share a joint, they start a band. That says it all.”
Part of removing that stigma is educating consumers about safe, regulated cannabis. Cohen points out the risks of unregulated Delta-8 products found in gas stations, convenience stores and even pharmacies. Although Delta 8 is sold in these retail stores, it is not approved by the FDA, is 25% the strength of Delta 9 (natural in the plant), can contain unknown contaminants, and is not tested or regulated. Canopy Crossroad actively works to inform customers about the differences and risks.
Community-Driven Education
As part of its mission, Canopy Crossroad has partnered with the Red Bank Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, offering educational speaker events at the Red Bank Senior Center. Speakers have included a Rutgers University professor specializing in plant pathology, an Ayurvedic practitioner who shared insights on cannabis' long-standing use in traditional medicine, and a talk about understanding medical cannabis and how health insurance might help.
“We’re trying to educate the community as much as we can,” Cohen emphasizes.
The Red Bank Connection
Canopy Crossroad proudly embraces its Red Bank identity. All residents receive an automatic 5% discount, with additional savings for medical patients, and other available discounts. But it goes beyond discounts—the dispensary was designed with the town’s artistic soul in mind.
“Red Bank is a town of arts and culture, so we infused that spirit into our store,” says Cohen. Inside, you’ll find a wall of natural moss and mushroom elements (also the company’s logo), and a stunning outdoor mural by local artist Michael White that reflects the brand’s ethos and aesthetic.
“We told Michael our vision for the mural, and he brought it to life,” she says. “We’re locals, and we took care to make our store feel like it truly belongs in Red Bank.”
Since opening in October 2024, Canopy Crossroad has quickly become an active part of the community—joining the Count Basie Theatre, participating in Pride in the Park, supporting local nonprofit Lunch Break, and getting involved in upcoming events like the Mac & Cheese Festival (Sept. 27, benefiting JBJ Soul Kitchen) and Red Bank Octoberfest (Oct. 11). October will also mark the dispensary’s one-year anniversary.
A Warm Welcome from the Community
Since their doors opened in October of 2024, Canopy Crossroad has experienced a wonderful reaction from the community in and around Red Bank, which Cohen attributes greatly to their amazing staff.
“I love reading our reviews,” she shares. “They validate everything we’re working to build.”
For more information, visit Canopy Crossroad at 9 West Street, Red Bank, at the corner of West Front Street. www.canopycrossroad.com
Call 732-438-5880, or find them on Instagram at @canopycrossroad and Facebook at Facebook.com/canopycrossroaddispensary
