When I think about how I ended up here — running Dogwood Green Dispensary in West Orange, New Jersey — it still feels a little unreal sometimes.
I’m Dan Costa, the general manager & one of the owners of Dogwood Green. I’m also an Army combat veteran. I served in the US Army from 2007 – 2011 and in Iraq from 2007 to 2008, and like many people who’ve had experiences like that, I didn’t come home and simply “move on.” Some things stay with you. They show up in how you sleep, how you react to stress, how you carry yourself through the day.For a long time, I tried to manage all of that quietly and on my own. I thought that was just what you were supposed to do. Push through. Stay busy. Don’t talk about it too much.
Eventually, I realized that approach wasn’t working.
My own path toward better mental and physical health is what led me to open Dogwood Green. This dispensary isn’t just a business to me. It’s deeply personal. We’re proudly black, woman & veteran-owned and operated, and we built this space to be somewhere people — especially veterans — can feel understood, respected, and supported.
Finding Relief from PTSD
After returning home, PTSD became part of my daily life. Anxiety and constant tension made even small things feel exhausting. Sleep was unpredictable. My mind rarely felt quiet.
I tried different medications and treatments over the years. Some helped in certain ways, but many came with side effects that made things harder in other areas.
When I started re-learning about cannabis — especially CBD-rich and balanced strains — I noticed something different. It didn’t make me feel disconnected or numb. It helped slow things down. It made it easier to breathe, to focus, to stay present.
For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had some control again.
Managing Chronic Pain Without Heavy Pharmaceuticals
Like many veterans, I deal with ongoing physical pain. Old injuries, joint issues, and general wear and tear don’t disappear just because time passes.
For years, pain management often meant prescriptions that worked in the short term but carried long-term risks. I didn’t want to rely on something that could easily become another problem.
Cannabis gave me another option. With the right products and guidance, I was able to manage inflammation and discomfort in a more balanced way. It wasn’t about chasing relief — it was about improving day-to-day function.
Today, we help our customers explore different formats, from flower and vapes to edibles, tinctures, and topicals, so they can find what actually works for them.
Choosing Recovery Over Hard Drugs & Alcohol
When mental health struggles go untreated or unsupported, people look for ways to cope however they can. In the veteran community, that sometimes means turning to pills or harder substances just to get through the day.
I’ve seen how quickly that can spiral. I’ve watched friends lose their footing, their relationships, and sometimes their lives because they didn’t have better tools or support.
For me, cannabis became part of choosing a healthier direction. It helped me manage stress and emotions without pulling me toward habits that could do real damage.
It wasn’t a magic fix. It didn’t solve everything overnight. But it gave me something steady — something I could use responsibly as part of taking care of myself.
Finally Getting Real Sleep
Sleep was one of the hardest things to fix.
For years, nights were restless. My mind stayed busy. My body stayed tense. Even when I did sleep, it wasn’t restorative.
Through learning about strains, terpene profiles, and timing, I slowly figured out what worked for me. Cannabis helped regulate my sleep in a way nothing else had. I started waking up feeling clearer, more grounded, and better equipped to handle the day.
Now, sleep support is one of the most common reasons people come into our store. We take that seriously, because we know how much everything else depends on rest.
Creating a Place Where Veterans Belong
One of the things I missed most after leaving the service was community — being around people who understood you without long explanations.
That’s what we’ve tried to build at Dogwood Green.
We don’t rush people. We don’t talk down to them. We don’t treat anyone like a number. We listen. We explain. We meet people where they are.
Whether someone is brand new to cannabis or has years of experience, they deserve honest information and respectful service. Especially veterans, who are often hesitant to ask for help in the first place.
Our dispensary is meant to feel welcoming, not intimidating. It’s a place where people can ask real questions and get real answers.
Honoring Service with Our 20% off Veterans Discount
We offer a daily veterans discount as a small way of saying thank you.
It’s not about marketing. It’s about recognition and respect. If you’ve served, bring your military ID when you visit. Know that you’re always welcome here.
Why Dogwood Green Exists
Being a veteran shaped who I am. It taught me responsibility, resilience, and the importance of showing up for others.
Dogwood Green is an extension of that mindset.
We focus on quality products, thoughtful guidance, and building long-term relationships with our customers. We care about what we carry, how we educate, and how people feel when they walk through our doors.
This isn’t about pushing products. It’s about helping people make informed choices that support their health and well-being.
Visit Dogwood Green in West Orange, NJ
If you’re a veteran — or someone exploring cannabis for wellness, pain management, or better sleep — I invite you to stop by Dogwood Green.
You’ll find people who listen, who respect your experience, and who genuinely want to help you find what works for you.
You don’t have to figure everything out alone.
We’ve walked complicated roads too. And we’re here to walk alongside you.
*me with my platoon in April of 2008; center standing *
