Introducing EXHALE Pro Stories: The Humans Behind the Businesses & Events You Love.
Welcome to EXHALE Pro Stories, our brand new video and blog series that takes you on a journey to meet the passionate people driving innovation in the cannabis industry. In this exclusive series, we dive into the lives of business owners, operators, and the everyday heroes who are shaping the culture, paving the way, and creating positive change in the world of cannabis.
Latina & Woman-Owned Cannavibes Dispensary in New Jersey.
Our debut episode kicks off with a special visit to Cannavibes , a proudly Cuban-owned dispensary located in Elmwood Park, New Jersey. Owned and operated by the incredible Linda Solana, Cannavibes offers a refreshing blend of professionalism, community spirit, and personal dedication to wellness that truly stands out in the cannabis space. We made the trip from NYC to visit Linda on a cold, northeastern winter day—and it was absolutely worth it.
A Warm Welcome on a Chilly Day.
Despite the frosty weather, the welcoming energy inside Cannavibes was enough to make us forget about the chill. As soon as we stepped inside, we were greeted by a friendly and helpful staff who clearly take pride in their work. The facility itself was spacious and inviting, with a vibrant atmosphere that had us feeling right at home. The upbeat mix of hip-hop and classic 90s pop played softly throughout the store, adding to the lively, yet relaxed vibe.
One of the most striking features of Cannavibes is its design. The walls are adorned with colorful murals that capture the essence of the local community and Cuban culture, while fish tanks and cactus plants scattered throughout the space gave it a fresh, natural aesthetic. The environment is both modern and grounded, making it a perfect space for customers to feel comfortable and empowered as they explore the cannabis products available.
“It’s a place where people come to connect, learn, & most importantly: heal.”
A Story of Resilience & Healing
The heart of our visit was meeting Linda Solana herself. Her warmth and generosity were evident from the moment we sat down to chat, and we felt privileged to hear her story. Linda’s journey to owning Cannavibes is deeply personal, and it’s one that has shaped the way she runs her business.
EXHALE SOCIAL: What was the Hardest Part about Opening a Dispensary in New Jersey?
SOLANA: When they opened it up for New Jersey I was like all down for it. I thought the application process was the hardest part. No it is not. I paid rent here for 2 1/2 years just to get this place zoned.
EXHALE SOCIAL: Wow, before you could even open?
SOLANA: Before I could do anything. I believed in it that much that I said this is my place. The day I walked in here I said this is my place.
EXHALE SOCIAL: –and it’s a beautiful spot.
SOLANA: Thank you, thank you. I put a lot of heart and love into it. Yeah it was definitely my calling–but I’ve already helped multiple people here with MS and back problems. I introduced RSO to them. There’s one councilwoman who has a problem with her bones. She’s constantly in pain and I’ve helped her so much. She comes back all the time just thanking me for everything I’ve done for her and that’s important to me. It’s really important to me to help people with a natural medicine versus pharmaceuticals.
EXHALE SOCIAL: I actually got into the cannabis space in a similar fashion. My mother had breast cancer. She was diagnosed 20 I wanna say 25 years ago. She fought for about 20 years off and on and all that time she was educating us on how to eat organically. She also started researching RSO and began that towards the end of her life when she was dealing with a lot of problems. She did end up passing away, but it’s important to me that people who really understand the true benefit of this medicine are the ones who are in charge of dispensaries like this. Because this should be a healing space it’s not a space just to make money you know.
“it started as a passion of mine. I am a cancer survivor.”
Linda’s Journey with RSO
Linda shared with us her battle with colon cancer and how she used RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) to manage her symptoms. RSO, a potent cannabis extract, is known for its high concentration of THC, and many cancer patients use it as part of their healing process. Linda’s use of RSO was a pivotal part of her treatment, and she is now in remission, which she attributes in part to her holistic approach to wellness that included cannabis.
“RSO, a potent cannabis extract, is known for its high concentration of THC, and many cancer patients use it as part of their healing process.”
RSO has gained attention in recent years for its alleged therapeutic properties, particularly for cancer patients. Many people turn to RSO for its potential to help manage pain, reduce inflammation, and combat the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and loss of appetite. Some reports even suggest that RSO may have anti-tumor properties, though research is still ongoing. For Linda, the experience with RSO was transformative, and it played a significant role in her recovery.
Linda’s gratitude for her health and her newfound opportunity to help others is palpable, and it fuels her passion for running Cannavibes. The dispensary not only offers a wide range of cannabis products but also serves as a beacon of hope and healing for those seeking alternative therapies like RSO.
EXHALE SOCIAL: So tell us a little bit about where this [Canna Vibes] all started.
SOLANA: “So it started as a passion of mine. I am a cancer survivor. I used to smoke to get high like everybody else, but then once I had cancer, I realized that they were like pushing a lot of big Pharma stuff on me and I really didn’t wanna go that route. I’ve always been very against like you know modern medicine cause I feel that you take it and fixes something but it messes something else up. So I was on a ton of medication and I just didn’t feel good. I had colon cancer and I used to get these bouts where I was nauseous for seven days and nobody knew what was wrong with me. They thought I had cancer that came up negative so I started using RSO. So that’s my big thing is RSO has been a life changer for me. Now I just take RSO. I’m off of all pharmaceutical medicines. I wanted to help other people the way it helped me.
SOLANA: I feel so lucky to be alive. And when I hear that people have passed of cancer I just feel like, I don’t know I feel like i should be here.
EXHALE SOCIAL: Like you were chosen to be here.
SOLANA: Yea, that’s how I feel. I know it sounds really weird. That’s really how I feel. That I wasn’t done and He said “You’re not done yet, girl!” I feel like I cheated it. I almost feel guilty that people are passing and I cheated it.
EXHALE SOCIAL: Don’t feel guilty. You’re helping. When my mom was here that’s what she was doing. She was trying to educate people.Literally til her last days. I actually got into the cannabis space in a similar fashion. My mother had breast cancer. She was diagnosed 20 I wanna say 25 years ago. She fought for about 20 years off and on and all that time she was educating us on how to eat organically. She also started researching RSO and began that towards the end of her life when she was dealing with a lot of problems. She did end up passing away, but it’s important to me that people who really understand the true benefit of this medicine are the ones who are in charge of dispensaries like this. Because this should be a healing space it’s not a space just to make money you know.
SOLANA: So I’ve been open for three months and haven’t made any money. I’m in debt if anything but I don’t really care. If I can help as many people who walk through that door with their ailments–I’m sorry I got emotional with you mom.
EXHALE SOCIAL: No worries, I did too. (Hugs) I’m glad you’re still here.
A Community-Centered Approach
Linda’s dedication to the community and her openness about her personal story make Cannavibes more than just a dispensary. It’s a place where people come to connect, learn, and, most importantly, heal.
EXHALE SOCIAL: You mentioned earlier in our conversation that you’re not really getting a lot of business. What are your thoughts on that? Do you feel the general public hasn’t really received it yet?
SOLANA: Yea, that’s part of it and I also I’ve been studying the New Jersey cannabis space for a while. We kind of missed that recreational spurt. So now whoever makes it in this space it’s because of their vibe. Because of how welcoming they are– and you have to be different from everyone else in order for you to make it and that’s that’s where I’m at. That’s why I wanted to be different than anyone else. I wanted to have my own space with my own feel and my own vibe. I go to all the openings around here– dispensary openings. Because I wanna see what it’s like. Meet the people, talk to them, try to see where they’re at and I found some of them are like smoke shops. You could tell they’re there just for the money and then they’re some that are very welcoming and you could feel it as soon as you walk in. That’s why I opened just to help peopIe. I mean I do wanna be able to keep this (laughs), but I mean it’s slow here. New Jersey starts very slow. It takes about six months for you to be able to ramp up here in New Jersey.
EXHALE SOCIAL: I think you’re going about this the right way you’re making this more of a community space and leaning towards that versus just a place that you can come pick up your cannabis from.
SOLANA: : Thank you, we just finished our toy drive.
EXHALE SOCIAL: – and that’s what its all about. like this really should become a community space and I think a lot of the dispensaries that are going to make it are the ones that are in that mindset.
SOLANA: I agree 100% I really do. I know that I’ve gotten a lot of the big MSO customers because it’s just so like they’re just so different. They’re in it for the money. They don’t have like the care. They always talk about our budtenders, how caring they are. I remember walking into an MSO when I first got cancer and feeling totally lost not knowing what I was looking at. Not knowing what would help me, not knowing the difference between this strain and that strain. It was very overwhelming for me not to have anybody to talk to that was educated enough to help me out. It took years before I can get somebody to help me out.
So I just wanna help as many people as I can with cannabis and we have pop-ups and stuff to educate people and educate our staff. It’s very important for me and for our staff to know what they’re talking about, what they’re giving people, recommending to people.
Special thanks to Linda Solana and the CannaVibes team for the warm welcome and hospitality during our visit—our New Jersey Dispensary cherry has officially been popped.
We’re so excited to share Linda’s story in the premiere episode of EXHALE Pro Stories. Stay tuned as we continue to bring you inspiring stories from the humans who are changing the cannabis industry one step at a time.
COMING SOON: Video Interview with Linda Solana Cannavibes Dispensary Owner
This story is presented in collaboration with The Traveling Cannabis Writter.
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Disclaimer: The content shared in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. EXHALE Social and Cannavibes do not offer medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While we share personal stories and experiences related to cannabis use, including the use of RSO (Rick Simpson Oil), it is important to consult with a licensed healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical treatments or wellness practices. The information provided should not be construed as medical advice, and we encourage individuals to seek professional guidance for any health concerns or questions related to cannabis use. EXHALE Social and Cannavibes are not responsible for any actions taken based on the content provided in this article.
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