Craft Cannabis & Community in New Jersey – Big Dave’s Mission
In this episode, Big Dave reveals how he’s bringing craft cannabis and a community vibe to New Jersey’s budding legal market. Host Kyle Kushman chats with Big Dave – a legacy cultivator turned dispensary owner – about reviving small-batch quality and authenticity in a commercial setting. Together, they explore why putting people and quality first can transform the industry.
Big Dave shares his approach to supporting local independent growers, treating his team and customers like family, and pushing back against a corporate mindset with love, culture, and craftsmanship. Viewers will also hear about New Jersey’s unique landscape – from the ban on home growing to the quirks of medical vs. recreational laws – and how Dave navigates these challenges while staying true to his mission. Plus, learn how he engages skeptics (even protesters) with positivity and hear Kyle’s personal story about outdated laws, all underscoring why Big Dave’s community-driven vision matters.
Whether you’re a cannabis connoisseur or just curious about the culture, this conversation offers an inspiring look at how one person’s passion for quality over profit is changing the game. Tune in to discover how Big Dave’s HoneyGrove team is redefining what New Jersey’s cannabis community can be – authentic, welcoming, and built on genuine care for the plant and the people.
00:00 Introduction and welcome to Big Dave
00:55 – Craft cannabis meets the commercial industry
02:44 – Big Dave’s network of small growers
04:45 – Defining what makes craft cultivation special
07:43 – New Jersey’s legal situation
09:27 – Breaking down medical vs. recreational rules in NJ
13:29 – A day in the life: Inside Big Dave’s dispensary experience
17:33 – Popular products and customer habits in the NJ market
18:18 – Purchase limits and how the dispensary tracks them
25:04 – Handling opposition: turning protesters into supporters
27:17 – Tackling stigma: “recreational users” and societal prejudice
28:03 – Story time: Kyle’s personal run-in with old NJ laws
29:34 – Big Dave shares his big dream for the future
