420 Lounge and The HookUp offer a plethora of buds for cannabis connoisseurs.
The mission of The HookUp is to “provide clean, quality cannabis that uplifts people, supports local growers, and promotes wellness.”
A selection of prerolls are available at 420 Lounge.
One of the many strands available at The HookUp or 420 Lounge.
Rainbow Zoap is ready for customers at the 420 Lounge.
A jar of Watermelon Milkshake.
TO celebrate the Northern Mariana Islands’ greenest holiday, Marianas Variety reached out to Jen Sambile, operations manager at The HookUp to see just how the dispensary, which took home the gold award in the 2024-2025 Best of the Marianas cannabis shop division, has been growing to meet the demand of its customers on Saipan.
The HookUp will be celebrating two years of operation since its soft opening in May 2023, and Sambile says the organization has proudly kept the menu “fresh with an evolving variety of strains and locally grown flower.”
She says they’re working hard to keep both the business and the cannabis plants growing. One look at the wall behind the cashier counters at either The HookUp or its sister operation, 420 Lounge, which opened in September last year, reveals a plethora of buds that rotate often to keep the CNMI’s cannabis connoisseurs satisfied.
“We typically keep 25 to 30 strains in rotation between The Hookup and 420 Lounge,” Sambile says. “Our variety is intentional—a blend of customer favorites, seasonal harvests, and standout exotics. Our connection with local cultivators like Top Shelf Farm makes it possible for us to stay fresh, consistent, and innovative.”
Some of the current strains she’s encouraging customers to enjoy include White Iverson, which she calls a “great balance of chill and creativity”; Sundae; RS-11, and the “heavy hitter” Watermelon Milkshake.
But a good product is only one part of what makes a retail operation successful. Sambile is quick to add that customer service and mission are also critical to their operations.
“What makes [The HookUp] shine is our authenticity—we’re community-rooted, customer-first, and cannabis-driven,” Sambile said. “Our budtenders are passionate and well-trained, and our atmosphere is always welcoming. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or brand new to the scene, you’ll always feel at home here.”
At 420 Lounge, which sits smack dab in the island’s tourist center of Garapan, Sambile says it exists to cultivate an experience.
“The 420 Lounge is where cannabis and culture meet,” she says. “It’s more than a lounge; it’s a vibe. We create a space for a diverse community to chill, connect, and celebrate the plant. What makes it truly special is the energy—it’s laid-back but intentional, educational but fun. Whether you’re here to learn, laugh, or just vibe out, the 420 Lounge is where good times and good flower go hand in hand.”
In terms of workforce development, it’s likely that the CNMI has many tokers who would jump at the chance to sell bud legally. But enthusiasm for cannabis is only part of a wider range of attributes that The HookUp is looking for, according to Sambile.
“Our team is the heart of everything we do,” she said. “Every member of The Hookup family is passionate about cannabis, committed to education, and trained to provide excellent service. To be part of our crew, you need more than just product knowledge—you need the right energy, a sense of hospitality, and the ability to make people feel seen and valued. We expect our staff to be professional, friendly, and always ready to guide customers toward the right experience.”
She said the organization has a simple mission: to “provide clean, quality cannabis that uplifts people, supports local growers, and promotes wellness.”
If you’ve never been to their brick and mortar store, Sambile says their employees hope to see you soon.
“Whether you’re seeking relief, relaxation, or just a better vibe, we got you,” she says. “The Hookup will always be your safe, welcoming space to explore and enjoy cannabis the way it was meant to be: respectfully, responsibly, and with love.”
If you’ve never been to their brick and mortar store, Jen Sambile says the staff hope to see you soon. “Whether you’re seeking relief, relaxation, or just a better vibe, we got you,” she says.
You can find the vibes and the brick and mortar store of 420 Lounge smack dab in the heart of Garapan.
Budtender Gaige Porras takes care of The HookUp on Saturday, April 19, aka 420 Eve.
