QUALITY CANNABIS: Shown is the new home of Got Your Six Dispensary, which offers an array of recreational cannabis products and accessories. It is located at Suite 12, a standalone former bank building in Princeton Marketplace. It will also offer a drive-thru capability for customers, with a pre-order, and the building is immediately visible from Route 27.
By Jean Stratton
If you hear someone say, “I’ve got your six,” you can take a deep breath and know that someone is there to help you.
Originating with World War I fighter pilots, “Got Your Six” is a military term, meaning “got your back.” During World War I aerial combat, when pilots used wristwatches, not computers, “six o’clock” referred to the vulnerable area directly behind a plane, so a pilot saying “got your six” was a promise to watch for and protect their comrade from behind. Today, the expression signifies loyalty, support, and watching out for one another.
Opened in August 2024 in Princeton Marketplace at 4437 Route 27, just north of Kingston, Got Your Six Dispensary has direct relevance to the term’s original meaning.
Owned by Freddy Herrera, the dispensary offers a full range of recreational cannabis products. A U.S. Army veteran, who suffered disabling wounds in combat, Herrera found relief from PTSD and pain with help from cannabis.
Close Ties
Now, according to Got Your Six consultant Sabrina Pontoriero, “Freddy’s mission is to make it easy for customers to get what they need. Also, because of Freddy’s close ties with the Army, we have made a commitment to give back to the community, and have participated in various fundraiser events with local veterans’ groups, as well as the South Brunswick PBA. We have also partnered with the Last Prisoner Project, and the Balanced Veterans Network nationally.”
In addition to his military service, Herrera has had a varied career, including a number of different ventures.
After his Army service, he joined the U.S. Department of Justice, He then became an ironworker and union member, and during this time, he studied construction management and administration at Columbia University, where he received his master’s degree.
Then, he had something new in mind. As he recalls, “I began thinking about opening a dispensary in 2021. I wanted to share the benefits of cannabis, and also support disabled veterans. While our products are not designated medicinal, some of them can help people relax, and alleviate pain and anxiety.”
Pontoriero, who has had years of experience in the cannabis industry, including working at large MSOs, as well as serving as COO for an independent operator, adds, “Even though we are a recreational dispensary, we believe that most customers are using cannabis to help them medicinally, and we strive to provide the best information to our customers so they can make well-educated decisions. All our employees have completed 20-plus hours of training to better understand cannabis, and they are knowledgeable in offering what is best, based on what a customer needs.”
Nick Riggio, director of brand relationships, whose experience in the cannabis industry also includes a hospitality background, agrees. “Some of our customers are knowledgeable and experienced with our products. Others may be new to cannabis and curious to try it for the first time. We are here to answer their questions and give them information about the products. We listen to their concerns and what they are looking for. We help to educate them.”
Flowers and Edibles
He adds that Got Your Six cannabis comes from multiple cultivation centers in New Jersey. The products fall into a variety of categories, including joints, vaporizers, flower, gummies, cookies, and also lotions, mouth sprays, concentrates, and tinctures, all made with cannabis oil.
“Our most popular products are flower and edibles,” he says, explaining that “flower is the actual cannabis. There are three classifications of flower, which provide different reactions: sativa (uplifting and energizing), indica (chill and relaxed), and hybrid (a combination of the other two).”
Among the most popular brands are Garden Greens, Agri-Kind, Happy Farmer, Jersey Clouds, and Escape Artists, reports Pontoriero, adding that “flower can be purchased to smoke in a variety of ways: in a joint, a blunt, a pipe, or dry herb vaporizer. Flower can also be heated and added to cooking fats to create edibles. Flower is the most popular in the state hands down.”
For those not familiar with the products, she explains that “a joint is a pre-rolled paper/paper cone stuffed with cannabis flower. Vaporizer is an electronic device that allows the user to consume cannabis oil, which is made from flower. Edible products (gummies, cookies, etc.) are also made with this oil.”
In addition, a variety of accessories — including bongs, papers, cones, lighters, T-shirts, and electronic smoking devices — are all available.
Prices cover a wide range, from $6 to $100, with everything in between.
“We also have a loyalty program for regular customers, offering additional discounts, perks, and rewards,” explains Riggio. “We have a free app available on Google and iPhone platforms to make it easy for customers to see our menu, place an order, and keep track of their rewards points.”
Independent Status
In addition, the dispensary offers free delivery service within a 20-mile radius of Princeton, with a $75 minimum purchase.
The team at Got Your Six is proud of their dispensary’s independent status, says Pontoriero. “We are a micro business, so we employ fewer than 10 employees at any given time. We have six right now. They are local and offer a knowledge base to the community that no other dispensary does, and they have such a willingness to educate and give back.”
For example, she points out, “Lauren Chapman is our general manager, with many years of experience in the cannabis space, starting from when New Jersey was a medical-only market. Lauren’s attention to detail and focus on customer service has been pivotal in showing new and existing customers that Got Your Six really has their back.”
Pontoriero and Herrera are also very encouraged that the customer response has been so positive. Individuals must be 21 years old to enter the dispensary, and current customers range in age from 21 to 75. Many are repeats, and in addition, new customers are coming all the time from around the area and beyond.
Herrera emphasizes that he is a hands-on owner who is in the dispensary every day. “I enjoy being a part of the community, and being able to provide help to those in need. And the importance of supporting veterans is major. This is hugely meaningful to me.”
The Got Your Six team is also looking forward to their move to a new location within Princeton Marketplace.
Cannabis-Friendly
“Opening a dispensary is not easy, as only one-third of the state has actually approved cannabis dispensaries in their municipality,” explains Pontoriero. “Lucky for us, Franklin Township has been extremely cannabis-friendly, and has allowed Freddy to move the business to a larger building within the same property.”
In addition, Herrera’s experience in construction has enabled him to take an active hands-on role in the renovation of the building. A grand opening is scheduled November 8 in honor of Veteran’s Day, from 11a.m. to 6 p.m. It will include a vendor showcase, music, food trucks, giveaways, contests, and more.
Pontoriero points out that “This is a Veterans Day event, and will feature the South Brunswick PBA as well as the Balanced Veterans Network.” The event is free and open to the public.
Herrera’s journey has taken him a long way, and he has now arrived at an important destination. As he says, “I am very grateful that through the grace of God, I’ve had the opportunities and ability to have so many different experiences and to learn from all of them. And now, the chance to support and give back to disabled veterans means everything.”
Got Your Six Dispensary is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For further information, call (732) 444-2060. Visit the website at gotyoursixdispensary.com.