For Trina Ragsdale, the founder of Jane’s Joint, opening a cannabis dispensary is about much more than launching a new business. It’s the culmination of a deeply personal journey marked by resilience, healing and a desire to help others navigate some of life’s most difficult challenges.
A lifelong Voorhees resident, Ragsdale traces her passion for cannabis education back to her own battles with breast cancer and later thyroid cancer. After surgery, she was prescribed opioids to manage pain, but sought an alternative that aligned more closely with her personal approach to wellness.
“Like many patients, I wanted another option,” she said. “After researching cannabis and experimenting with different products, I found relief from pain, anxiety and insomnia in a way that felt more holistic. It wasn’t just about managing symptoms. It was about regaining a sense of control.”
That experience ultimately inspired the creation of Jane’s Joint, a wellness-focused dispensary designed to provide education, guidance and compassion in an industry that still faces misconceptions.
“For many people, cannabis is viewed only as something that gets you high,” Ragsdale shared. “I want people to understand that, when used responsibly, it can be an important wellness tool.”
Her belief was reinforced while caring for her father, who was hospitalized with sepsis and severe gout. After opioids left him anxious and confused, a carefully selected 1:1 THC-to-CBD product helped him rest more comfortably. Experiences like these strengthened her commitment to helping others make informed decisions.
Education sits at the heart of Jane’s Joint. In addition to serving customers in the dispensary, the business plans to host educational programs for older adults through its Wisdom & Wellness initiative; partner with health-care professionals; and provide practical guidance on dosing, product selection, safety and responsible use.
“We want people to feel comfortable asking questions without fear of judgment,” Ragsdale explained. “Whether someone is new to cannabis or has years of experience, we want every customer to leave feeling more informed.”
The name Jane’s Joint reflects that philosophy. Rather than honoring one individual, “Jane” represents the qualities she hopes define every customer experience: compassion, curiosity, dignity and hope.
Professionally, Ragsdale brings more than 20 years of experience as a school psychologist and special-education administrator serving South Jersey families. She also led a nonprofit supporting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) youth in Camden County, reinforcing her lifelong commitment to community service.
Preparing to open the dispensary has come with significant challenges, including navigating the state’s complex licensing process, securing financing, managing construction and balancing the demands of entrepreneurship while continuing her full-time career in education.
“There were moments when the finish line kept moving,” she recalled, “but I never lost sight of why I started.”
Hearing community members say they’ve been waiting for Jane’s Joint has made every obstacle worthwhile.
Looking ahead, she hopes the business becomes more than a dispensary. She envisions it as a trusted community resource while expanding educational initiatives and developing a nonprofit inspired by her cancer journey to support families facing a diagnosis.
“Success isn’t measured by sales alone,” she observed. “It’s measured by the lives we impact, the conversations we start and the trust we build in the community I’ve always called home.”
Trina Ragsdale (left) will open Jane’s Joint in Gibbsboro on Aug 1.
