The ANJA Blog
Cannabis education, product guides, and stories from Highland Park and across New Jersey.

ANJA Fest 4: Giving Back to Highland Park
ANJA Fest 4 was our free, 21+ block party in Highland Park: live music, food trucks, contests, and a whole neighborhood coming together.

The ABCs of THC: Cannabis THC vs. Hemp-Derived THC
A clear, honest guide to the difference between cannabis THC and hemp-derived intoxicants like delta-8, and what regulated dispensary testing covers.

ANJA FEST III
Join us for the 3rd annual ANJA Fest, Saturday April 19th 2025, 1-7pm in Highland Park, NJ, celebrating local brands, musicians, and artists.

Head High vs Body High: Your Ultimate 4/20 Cannabis Guide
Explore the difference between a head high and a body high in this 4/20 cannabis guide covering how each is commonly described.

Unveiling the Science Behind Adding Terpenes to Cannabis: Enhancements & Methods
Explore the methods of adding terpenes to cannabis to enhance flavor, freshness, and aroma for a better experience.

How to Make Cannabutter with Top Strains from ANJA Highland Park
Learn how to make cannabutter in Highland Park, NJ, using strains like Grilled Cheese. Discover the benefits, steps, and top strains at ANJA.

ROI NJ: ANJA Life opens its doors, becoming 1st adult-use cannabis dispensary in Highland Park, NJ
ANJA Life LLC, a minority-owned dispensary, opened on Jan 10, 2024, as Highland Park’s first adult-use cannabis dispensary, offering premium products.

Anja Life, Highway 90, Cloud Nine, & Joy Leaf Lead NJ Cannabis Dispensaries Openings
Anja Life, Highway 90, Cloud Nine, and Joy Leaf are among the newest cannabis dispensaries opening across New Jersey.

ANJA Presents: Our Guide to Aeropay
Learn what AeroPay is, why ANJA recommends it, and how signing up can save you time and money on your dispensary transactions.

ANJA Presents: Stardawg 101
Explore Stardawg: its distinctive aroma, balanced terpene profile, and place in cannabis culture in this ANJA strain spotlight.

ANJA Presents: Jet Fuel 101
Discover Jet Fuel, aka "G6": a hybrid strain known for its diesel aroma with notes of pine and a hint of sweetness.

ANJA Presents: Jack Herer 101
Jack Herer is a sativa-dominant strain with frosty green buds and a terpene profile rich in terpinolene, pinene, and caryophyllene.

ANJA Presents: Purple Urkle 101
Purple Urkle 101: explore this Indica strain's deep purple hues, aroma, and terpene profile rich in myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene.

ANJA Presents: Alaskan Thunder Fuck 101
Alaskan Thunderfuck, or "ATF," is a boldly named strain with an aroma blending earthy pine, lemon, and menthol.

ANJA Presents: Shiskaberry 101
Shiskaberry, or "Kish," is an Indica-dominant strain with a sweet berry aroma of fresh blueberries and earthy undertones.

ANJA Presents: Island Sweet Skunk 101
Island Sweet Skunk, or "ISS," is a Sativa-dominant strain with a vibrant aroma of sweet tropical fruits and a hint of skunk.

ANJA Presents: Headband OG 101
Headband OG is a hybrid strain with an earthy aroma of lemon and diesel, named for the light band-like sensation users describe.

ANJA Presents: Sour OG 101
Sour OG is a balanced hybrid with sour-fruit and earthy OG aromas and a terpene profile rich in limonene, myrcene, and caryophyllene.

ANJA Presents: Watermelon Gelato 101
Watermelon Gelato is a hybrid strain with a sweet watermelon and creamy gelato aroma and terpenes of limonene, linalool, and humulene.

ANJA Presents: Skywalker OG 101
Skywalker OG is an Indica-dominant hybrid with resin-coated buds and an earthy, sweet herbal aroma and a rich terpene profile.

ANJA Presents: Durban Poison 101
Meet Durban Poison, the "Espresso of Cannabis": a pure sativa with a sweet, spicy aroma of anise and cloves.

ANJA Presents: Sour Diesel 101
Discover Sour Diesel, aka "Sour D": a legendary sativa-dominant strain with a diesel aroma and hints of citrus and pepper.

ANJA Presents: Do You Know Your Terpenes? Bisabolol Edition
Discover bisabolol, the terpene behind delicate, floral, chamomile-like aromas in cannabis and nature. Explore its scent and everyday influence.

ANJA Presents: Do You Know Your Terpenes? Caryophyllene Edition
Explore caryophyllene, the spicy, peppery terpene found in black pepper, cloves, and cannabis, and the strains known for its aroma.

ANJA Presents: Do You Know Your Terpenes? Humulene Edition
Explore humulene, the earthy, woody terpene found in hops, sage, and cannabis, and the strains known for its grounded aroma.

ANJA Presents: Do You Know Your Terpenes? Limonene Edition
Explore limonene, the terpene behind bright, citrusy aromas in nature and cannabis, and the strains where it appears. An ANJA terpene guide.

ANJA Presents: Do You Know Your Terpenes? Myrcene Edition
Explore myrcene, the terpene found in mangoes and bay leaves, and the cannabis strains where it appears. An ANJA terpene guide.

ANJA Presents: Do You Know Your Terpenes? Ocimene Edition
Explore ocimene, the terpene behind the aroma of basil and mangoes, and the cannabis strains where it appears. An ANJA terpene guide.

ANJA Presents: Do You Know Your Terpenes? Pinene Edition
Explore pinene, the terpene behind the aroma of pine forests and rosemary, and the cannabis strains where it appears. An ANJA guide.

ANJA Presents: Do You Know Your Terpenes? Linalool Edition
Explore linalool, the terpene behind lavender's floral aroma, and the cannabis strains where it appears. An ANJA terpene guide.

ANJA Presents: Do You Know Your Terpenes? Eucalyptol Edition
Explore eucalyptol, the terpene behind crisp, cooling, minty aromas in eucalyptus, tea tree oil, and cannabis strains.

ANJA Presents: Do You Know Your Terpenes? Camphene Edition
Discover camphene, the terpene behind pungent, earthy, pine-forest aromas in cannabis and nature. Explore its scent and everyday influence.

ANJA Presents: Best Holidays to Consume Cannabis During in Central NJ
Discover which cannabis strains pair well with Central NJ's seasonal holidays and events in this ANJA guide.

ANJA Presents: Your Go-To Guide for Finding Our New Jersey Dispensary
A friendly ANJA guide to finding our New Jersey dispensary and making your first visit smooth, whether you're new or experienced.

ANJA Presents: New Jersey's Winter Cannabis Scene
Discover ANJA's fall and winter cannabis picks, from cozy strains like Purple Urkle to grape gummies, all season long in New Jersey.

ANJA Presents: Insights from NECANN NJ 2023 - What New Cannabis Operators Should Know
Key takeaways from NECANN NJ 2023 for new cannabis operators, covering cash flow, compliance, taxes, and building a business.

ANJA Presents: Insights from NECANN NJ 2023 - Pinching a Penny so Hard it Screams
Key takeaways from the NECANN NJ 2023 seminar on the financial realities of running a cannabis business, from formation to exit.

ANJA Presents: Understanding the Legal Landscape of Recreational Cannabis in New Jersey
A clear overview of the legal landscape of recreational cannabis in New Jersey, from current laws to what they mean for consumers.

ANJA Presents: Insights from NECANN 2023 - Navigating NJ Cannabis Real Estate Landscape
Key takeaways from a NECANN 2023 seminar on the challenges and opportunities of securing real estate for NJ cannabis businesses.

ANJA Presents: Creating an Equitable and Ethical NJ Cannabis Industry
How New Jersey's cannabis legalization affects legal frameworks, social justice, and jobs: a guide to an equitable industry.

ANJA Presents: Do You Know Your Terpenes? Linalool Edition
Explore linalool, the terpene behind lavender's floral aroma, and the cannabis strains where it appears. An ANJA terpene guide.

ANJA Presents: Cannabis's Impact on the Brain and Body
Whether you're new or experienced, there's always more to learn about cannabis, how it interacts with the body, and how genetics shape your experience.

ANJA Presents: Best Strain Pairings for Classic Stoner Movies and Songs
Cannabis and pop culture go hand in hand. ANJA pairs iconic stoner movies and songs with strains to match your next viewing or listening session.

ANJA Presents: Cannabis-Infused Mac & Cheese (ft. Vegan Substitutes!)
ANJA presents cannabis-infused mac & cheese, with vegan substitute options. A cheesy comfort-food classic for any get-together or solo night in.

ANJA Presents: What Are Hybrid Strains?
What are hybrid strains? ANJA explains how hybrids blend their parent strains' characteristics, plus their origins and how to choose one.

ANJA Presents: A Sneak Peak Behind ANJA's Construction
ANJA, a new cannabis dispensary serving Highland Park and central New Jersey, is under construction. Delivery and pickup first, retail to follow.

ANJA Presents: What is the Persona Quiz?
Discover ANJA's MBTI-style persona quiz and learn about the methodology behind matching your personality to your cannabis preferences.

ANJA Presents: Energizing Strains - Famous Strains for Energy
ANJA explores famous sativa strains popularly chosen for daytime use, along with the terpenes and cannabinoids behind their character.

ANJA Presents: Sleepy Strains - Famous Strains for Sleep
ANJA explores famous classic strains often chosen for evening use and winding down at the end of the day.

ANJA Presents: Medical vs Recreational Dispensaries in NJ
ANJA explains the difference between medical and recreational cannabis dispensaries in New Jersey and how the state program works.

ANJA Presents: The Ultimate Guide for Cannabis Beginners
New to cannabis? Learn the basics before your first purchase, from understanding strains to choosing the right product, plus a handy FAQ.

ANJA Presents: How to Make Cannabis Infused Pastrami
ANJA presents cannabis-infused pastrami: a savory recipe pairing classic pastrami preparation with cannabis-infused olive oil.

ANJA Presents: Our GM's Journey through the Cannabis Industry
Our GM's journey through New Jersey's cannabis industry - a story of self-education, finding a voice, and challenging outdated stigma.

ANJA Presents: A Journey Through Popular Cannabis Strains in New Jersey
Explore New Jersey's popular cannabis strains—Blue Dream, Jack Herer, White Widow, Sour Diesel, GSC, Gorilla Glue, and Purple Kush—by flavor and origin.
ANJA Presents: Understanding Head and Body Highs
Exploring the differences between 'head highs' and 'body highs' - what shapes each cannabis experience and how they compare.

ANJA Presents: Understanding Indicas and Sativas
Indica or sativa may not always predict what you experience. Learn how cannabinoid and terpene profiles shape cannabis strains.

ANJA Presents: ANJA FEST 2023 - an event recap!
ANJA Fest 2023 recap: a day of community, activities, food, and connection with the ANJA team. See the highlights from the celebration.

ANJA Presents: Why You Should Clean Your Bong
Like a fine wine glass, a clean bong helps you appreciate the flavor of your favorite strains. Why regular bong maintenance matters.

ANJA Presents: Indoor versus Outdoor Flower
Exploring the differences between indoor and outdoor cannabis flower - growing techniques, final form and shape, and how qualities vary.

ANJA Presents: How to Make THC-Infused Matzah Balls
A classic Jewish comfort food with a twist - how to make THC-infused matzah ball soup for your Passover Seder or any curious cook.

ANJA Presents: Joints and Blunts - What's the Difference?
What sets joints and blunts apart? A look at the specifics of each so you can decide which one to spark up next.

ANJA Presents: The First Annual ANJAFest!
Mark April 22nd, 2023 as busy - we're hosting ANJAFest, the ultimate 420 celebration with activities and like-minded herb hobbyists.

ANJA Presents: Standard versus Ratioed Edibles
Explore the key differences between ratioed and standard edibles and who might consider each in this informative guide.

ANJA Presents: Tolerance Breaks
Finding your usual amount of cannabis isn't cutting it? Regular users can build a tolerance to THC over time. Learn what tolerance breaks are about.

ANJA Presents: The Saintly Pot Brownie Activist
The story of Rathbun, the activist who baked cannabis brownies for AIDS patients in 1980s San Francisco.

Highland Park OKs these five legal weed stores to operate in town
HIGHLAND PARK – Five retail cannabis businesses have been granted authorization to operate in the borough once they receive state approval.

ANJA Presents: What are Concentrates, Oils, and Tinctures?
Discover the differences between concentrates, oils, and tinctures. New to cannabis? Learn what makes each unique.

Founder Series: Cura Para Sobar
A founder's story of growing up with a homemade cannabis preparation in an immigrant household, and the roots of ANJA.

ANJA Presents: The Difference Between Vapes and Dry Herb Vapes
Dry herb vaporizers and cartridges are two popular options for cannabis consumption, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks.

ANJA Presents: Exploring Consumption Methods
From smoking to THC cartridges, tinctures, and edibles, the options are endless. Discover your favorite way to enjoy cannabis.

ANJA Presents: A Definitive Guide to Edibles
Edibles are a popular alternative to smoking when dosed correctly. ANJA offers a definitive guide to enjoying edibles in NJ.

ANJA Presents: Do Topicals Get You High?
Explore the science behind THC topicals, their uses, and the big question: 'Do THC topicals get you high?'

ANJA Presents: What Are Strains?
Think of cannabis strains like coffee beans. Just as coffee beans have unique origins and flavors, cannabis strains also have distinct characteristics.

ANJA Presents: Coffee, Cannabis, and Cannabis Coffee
Cannabis and coffee are two beloved plants that have been enjoyed for centuries, but did you know that they have something in common?

ANJA Presents: Why Don’t (Licensed) Dispensaries Sell Delta 8?
Delta 8 shows up in convenience stores and gas stations, but not at licensed dispensaries. ANJA explains why you won't find it on our shelves.

ANJA Presents: The Difference Between Rosin, Resin, and "Live" Products
Terms like 'live' and 'solventless' can be confusing. Learn the difference between rosin, resin, and live cannabis products with ANJA.

ANJA Presents: How to Make Cannabis Butter (Cannabutter)
A smoke-free way to enjoy cannabis: make your own edibles. Learn how to make cannabis butter (cannabutter) with ANJA.

ANJA Presents: Does New Jersey Still Drug Test for Cannabis?
Cannabis is legal in New Jersey, but does that mean employers can't drug test for THC? ANJA breaks down what the law does and doesn't cover.

ANJA Presents: Comparing Apples to Cannabis
Picture this: you’re at a farmer’s market on a beautiful morning. In front of you are two stalls- both selling apples.

ANJA Presents: How to Make a Squash Pipe
As 2022 comes to a close, ANJA celebrates the season with a fun, replicable DIY project: how to make a squash pipe at home.

Founder Series: Calm, Clarity, and Cannabis
A founder from ANJA in Highland Park, NJ shares her personal story of high energy, anxiety, and her journey with cannabis.

Founder Series: Medical School and Motherhood
A founder's personal story spanning medical school, motherhood, and her evolving relationship with cannabis.

ANJA Presents: What is THC? - Understanding Cannabis and Its Effects
Many know what a joint is but fewer understand THC. Learn about tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its effects in this ANJA guide.

ANJA Presents: Cannabis Through the Eyes of an ER Physician
An emergency room physician shares a personal perspective on cannabis, medicine, and how the profession weighs its decisions.

ANJA Presents: Is My Cannabis Safe?
Every ANJA product comes with a Certificate of Analysis (COA): a third-party document detailing the testing lab, brand, product, and potency.

Founder Series: Cancer and Cannabis
A founder's personal story about entering the cannabis space and a family journey with a cancer diagnosis.
ANJA Presents: History, Hemp, and American Independence
The history of cannabis and hemp in early America, from public pharmacies to the founding of the country.

Founder Series: Cornell to Cannabis
Ashley Robins, child of two South-African Jewish immigrants, on cannabis and its interplay with her roots.

ANJA Presents: Presidents, Pot, and Politics
What was the War on Drugs, and how did cannabis get caught in the crosshairs? A look back at Nixon-era policy and its legacy.

ROI NJ: ANJA Life Secures Adult Use Cannabis Dispensary Licensing
ANJA Life LLC, a minority-owned dispensary in Highland Park, has been granted its conditional adult-use cannabis license in New Jersey.

NJ Biz: ANJA Life Aims to Open Highland Park Dispensary by Early 2023
ANJA, a minority-owned business, has secured a Highland Park location and is seeking municipal approval to open its retail dispensary.

ANJA Presents: An Introduction to Terpenes
Cannabis contains terpenes, compounds responsible for the strain's taste, smell, and effects. These terpenes are also found in herbs like sage and thyme.

ANJA Presents: How to Make a Pumpkin Bong
A pumpkin bong is a smoking device made from a hollowed-out pumpkin with three holes: one for the mouthpiece, one for the carburetor, and one for inhaling.

ANJA Presents: Four Things You Should Know About Biden's Cannabis Announcement
Four things to know about the Biden administration's October 2022 cannabis policy announcement and what it means for federal law.

Founder Series: The Eager Greenthumb
A founder's story: from an eager Plant Science major at Rutgers University to a passion for cannabis.

ANJA Presents: Our Love for New Jersey Cannabis
In 2020, New Jersey voters chose to legalize cannabis, but adult-use sales didn't begin until April 21, 2022. ANJA shares our love for NJ cannabis.

ANJA Presents: How Does Cannabis "Work"?
Cannabis has both psychological and physiological effects. Learn how it interacts with the body and why experiences vary from person to person.

Founder Series: Cannabis, Career, and Progress
Marketing in the cannabis industry brings challenges that make it exciting. Our founder on cannabis, career, and progress.

Founder Series: A Battle Cry to Spark Up
With legalization, our founder joins the next generation of cannabis entrepreneurs. A battle cry to spark up and carry this opportunity forward.
ANJA and ButACake Host the NJ Premiere of Kiss My Grass
ANJA and ButACake brought the NJ premiere of the documentary Kiss My Grass to Highland Park, with a panel hosted by ANJA CEO Julio Casado.

Drag Bingo at ANJA: Celebrating Pride in Highland Park
ANJA celebrated Pride with a night of drag bingo in Highland Park: dazzle, dabbers, and a room built on acceptance and belonging.

The ABC's of THC Recap
ANJA Highland Park dispensary brings cannabis experts to educate New Jersey consumers on THC differences, COAs & dispensary quality. Visit us today!