Mount Laurel, New Jersey: A Girl Scout troop in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, is drawing statewide attention after setting up a cookie booth outside a popular cannabis dispensary during this year’s cookie season.
The South Jersey-based troop partnered with Daylite Dispensary, marking what appears to be a rare collaboration between a local Girl Scout group and a licensed recreational marijuana retailer in the Garden State.
The move reflects evolving community dynamics as cannabis businesses become more integrated into everyday commerce in New Jersey.
How the Cookie Booth Ended Up at a Dispensary
Daylite Dispensary, which opened in 2023 as Mount Laurel’s first cannabis shop, hosted the troop on a trial basis during cookie season.
According to dispensary owner Steve Cassidy, the idea was originally proposed in 2024 but was declined by Girl Scouts of Central & Southern New Jersey, the council overseeing troops in the area.
When the proposal resurfaced this year, the troop was permitted to sell cookies outside the business as part of a trial arrangement.
The booth was set up near the building’s exit door, offering customers access to the full lineup of Girl Scout favorites.
Cookie Sales Meet Cannabis Customers
Cassidy openly acknowledged the obvious connection between cannabis and snack cravings.
“You use cannabis, you get the munchies,” Cassidy told NJ.com, emphasizing that the partnership reflects changing attitudes toward cannabis businesses in the community.
He noted that some customers reportedly visited the cookie stand before entering the dispensary.
The troop’s first sales event at the location took place on February 20, with cookies such as:
- Thin Mints
- Caramel Delites
- And other seasonal favorites
The troop is scheduled to return to the dispensary for additional sales events.
Growing Cannabis Industry in New Jersey
New Jersey’s recreational marijuana market has expanded rapidly since legalization.
According to state data, as of 2025 there are:
- More than 200 recreational-only dispensaries
- 56 medical-only dispensaries
- 50 hybrid dispensaries
The state surpassed 100 total dispensaries in 2024, just two years after recreational sales began.
This rapid expansion has led to greater normalization of cannabis storefronts in local business districts across the state.
Girl Scout Councils in New Jersey
There are thousands of Girl Scout troops throughout New Jersey, overseen by four councils:
- Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey
- Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey
- Girl Scouts of Central & Southern New Jersey
- Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore
The local troop involved in the dispensary partnership declined to comment publicly. The overseeing council also did not respond to media inquiries regarding the arrangement.
Community Reactions and Normalization
Cassidy described the collaboration as a reflection of shifting social norms, saying he hopes it signals increasing comfort with cannabis businesses participating in broader community activities.
Supporters argue the troop was simply selling to neighborhood customers in a legal, public retail setting — similar to booths commonly seen outside grocery stores and other high-traffic businesses.
Critics, however, have questioned whether cannabis storefronts are an appropriate location for youth fundraising efforts.
As of now, the partnership appears limited to select cookie-selling time slots and remains part of a trial effort.
Conclusion
The sight of Girl Scout cookies being sold outside a cannabis dispensary highlights how legalized marijuana businesses are becoming embedded in local economies.
Whether this partnership becomes a broader trend remains to be seen, but for now, one Mount Laurel troop has found an unconventional — and attention-grabbing — place to boost cookie sales during the 2025 season.
More updates are expected if the regional Girl Scout council provides further clarification on policy regarding similar partnerships.
