Girl Scouts Leadership Expresses Displeasure Over New Jersey Troop's Cannabis Dispensary Cookie Sale
Senior leaders within the Girl Scouts organization have reportedly voiced strong disapproval following a controversial partnership between a New Jersey troop and a local cannabis dispensary to sell their iconic cookies. The troop set up a booth near Daylite Dispensary in Mount Laurel last month, offering the full range of Girl Scout treats, an arrangement that has sparked internal concern.
Dispensary Owner Defends Community-Focused Initiative
Steve Cassidy, the owner of Daylite Dispensary, described the collaboration as a tremendous success, attracting significant foot traffic to both the cookie booth and his cannabis shop. However, Cassidy acknowledged that he has since spoken with representatives from the Girl Scouts about the incident, which was intended as a positive community venture but may have resulted in disciplinary action for the troop involved.
"It was about community," Cassidy explained to The Independent. "If that means the local Girl Scout troop got in trouble, that is absolutely not what we wanted." He declined to provide further comments on the matter. The Independent has reached out to the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey, the council overseeing troops in the region, for additional statements. The specific troop responsible for the event remains unidentified.
Historical Context and Trial Basis Approval
Daylite Dispensary, which became Mount Laurel's first cannabis outlet when it opened in 2023, proposed the partnership idea last year, but it was initially rejected by the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey. This year, Cassidy noted that one troop was permitted to sell cookies outside the dispensary on a trial basis, leading to the well-attended event last month.
Cassidy linked the concept to the "munchies"—the increased appetite often associated with cannabis consumption—highlighting a natural connection between snacks and cannabis. "You use cannabis, you get the munchies," he told NJ.com. "There's a connection between snacks and cannabis, and the fact that we don't have to pretend that doesn't exist anymore is really awesome."
Reflecting on societal shifts, Cassidy added, "I don't think five years ago we would've seen anything like this. I hope that it's a sign of things to come, where there's more of this normalcy of shared opportunities."
Future Plans and New Cookie Flavors
Following the initial success, the troop was scheduled to return to Daylite Dispensary for another sales session from 5 to 7 p.m. ET on Friday, but no booth is currently planned for that time slot. Meanwhile, this year's Girl Scout cookie season, running from January through April, introduces a brand-new flavor: Exploremores.
Inspired by Rocky Road ice cream, Exploremores are chocolate sandwich cookies featuring marshmallow and toasted almond–flavored crème. The organization stated in a press release that these cookies "reflect the spirit of exploration at the heart of every Girl Scout." They join an extensive lineup including:
- Adventurefuls
- Caramel Chocolate Chip
- Samoas/Caramel deLites
- Do-si-dos/Peanut Butter Sandwich
- Lemonades
- Lemon-Ups
- Tagalongs/Peanut Butter Patties
- Thin Mints
- Toffee-tastic
- Classic Trefoils
As the cookie sales continue through April, the controversy underscores ongoing debates about appropriate partnerships and community engagement in evolving social landscapes.
