Kush Connection

  • Location
  • Montclair, NJ
  • Industry
  • Cannabis
  • Year
  • 2024 - Present
  • Duration
  • Ongoing
  • Agency Roles
  • Rebrand
  • Brand Management
  • Creative Direction

Overview

Kush Connection came to us with a bold vision: to launch a cannabis brand that didn’t just sell product, but sparked culture. With a storefront opening in New Jersey and a deep-rooted passion for music, they needed a brand identity that could turn heads, stir souls, and make serious noise in a crowded market.

We were blown away by everything we saw. There was clearly a ton of thought that went into every element of the strategy and design.
Jake Kushner
Kush Connection Marketing Director

The Challenge

Kush Connection was ready to make waves in New Jersey’s growing cannabis market with their first storefront. But in a competitive landscape, standing out wasn’t optional—it was essential. They needed a brand that didn’t just introduce them to the market but made a big splash. Something bold. Something unforgettable. Something that would resonate with cannabis connoisseurs and casual consumers alike.

With the owner’s deep roots in radio and music culture, the dispensary was set to feature music-themed interior design and an impressive collection of rare music memorabilia. This wasn’t just a shop—it was a destination for cannabis lovers and music aficionados alike. Our mission? To craft a brand that amplified this vision and made Kush Connection unforgettable.

The Strategy

We set out to transform Kush Connection from just another dispensary into an immersive brand experience. Instead of focusing solely on products, we crafted two powerhouse brand concepts designed to create a cultural movement—each with its own unique vibe, voice, and visual identity.

Option 1: Venue12 | Every hit a headliner.

Inspired by the electric energy of live music, Venue12 turns every visit into a backstage pass to an unforgettable experience. With a sleek, high-end aesthetic and a storytelling approach that ties strains to setlists, Venue12 is where luxury meets lyrical.

The Concept

A dispensary designed like the greenroom of a legendary concert venue.

The Experience

Strains are categorized by sound—Sativa symphonies, Indica basslines, and hybrid harmonies—so customers can find their perfect groove.

The Impact

Venue12 sets the stage for a premium cannabis experience with a high-end fiel and a deep connection to music lovers.

Option 2: The Alter | Elevate your spirit.

A nod to the raw spirit of 90s music culture, The Alter is a haven for cannabis lovers who see weed as more than a product—it’s a ritual. Rooted in the rebellious energy of hip-hop, the grunge aesthetic of Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the laid-back vibes of Sublime, The Alter feels like stepping into a record store for your soul.

The Concept

A dispensary designed as a temple to music and cannabis culture.

The Experience

Strains hit like a favorite track—sharp and lyrical Sativas, deep bass Indicas, and smooth-flowing Hybrids.

The Impact

The Alter transforms cannabis shopping into a nostalgic, sensory-driven experience, where every toke is a note in the soundtrack of your life.

Proof That a Good Brand Hits Different.

The Result

By leaning into storytelling, culture and experience, we offered Kush Connection two bold new ways forward. Whether through the polished high-end allure of Venue12 or the raw rebellious spirit of The Alter, their launch is set to be anything but and and new.

At CINQ Creative, we don’t just build brands. We create movements. Looking to make a splash? Let’s talk.

Let's create something