What’s in a Name? More Than You Think
Ever wondered why our New Jersey dispensary is called Theo? No, it’s not short for Theodore, and no, we didn’t name it after your cool uncle. It’s actually inspired by Theophrastus, the OG plant nerd from ancient Greece and the Father of Botany.
This guy was ahead of his time. Over 2,000 years ago, he studied plants, wrote books about them, and laid the foundation for plant science. Without him, we wouldn’t know half of what we do about botany, plant classification, and medicinal plants, including cannabis.
So yeah, we owe him big time. Let’s take a quick trip back in time and see why Theophrastus still matters in the cannabis world today.
Who Was Theophrastus? The Original Plant Scientist

Theophrastus wasn’t just some guy who liked plants – he was the guy who liked plants. Born around 371 BC on the Greek island of Lesbos, he went from studying under Plato to becoming Aristotle’s right-hand man. When Aristotle stepped down as head of the Lyceum (think of it as the Ivy League of ancient Athens), Theophrastus took over and ran the place for 36 years.
But his real claim to fame? He wrote the first-ever books on plants and how they grow. His works, Enquiry into Plants and On the Causes of Plants, were basically the ancient world’s first botany textbooks. He classified around 500 plant species, studied their growth habits, and even explored their medicinal uses.
In short, Theophrastus was the original plant lord. If he were alive today, he’d probably have a hit YouTube channel, a best-selling gardening book, and a line of organic fertilizers being sold in Amazon.
What Does Theophrastus Have to Do With Cannabis?
Alright, so Theophrastus never technically wrote about marijuana. But to be fair, ancient Greece wasn’t exactly buzzing with dispensaries. That said, his work on plant classification, medicinal properties, and environmental effects laid the groundwork for modern botany including how we study cannabis today.
He explored big questions like:
• How do plants grow and adapt to different environments?
• How do plants interact with soil, climate, and seasons?
• How can plants be used for medicine and healing?
Sounds familiar, right? Today, scientists ask the same questions about cannabis strains: how indica and sativa grow, how terpenes affect their properties, and how they can be used medicinally. One difference is that, scientists nowadays also study the effects of recreational cannabis on people, which Theophrastus might not have had an interest in. Another is on how one simple plant can be turned into different types of products such as edibles, topicals, concentrates, pre-rolls, vapes, and tinctures, which would definitely fascinate and blow the mind of our Greek inspiration.
At Theo Cannabis Dispensary in NJ, we share Theophrastus’s passion for plant science. That’s why we focus on high-quality, well-curated cannabis products, making sure our customers get the best of what modern cannabis research has to offer. If Theophrastus were around today, we’d like to think he’d be impressed. Or at least really into strain classification.
Why We Named Our New Jersey Dispensary ‘Theo’
We didn’t just pick a name that sounded cool (although, let’s be honest, it does sound pretty cool). We wanted a name that reflects our love for plants, science, and quality; and who better to represent that than Theophrastus?
Think about it:
Theophrastus was the first person to study plants seriously. Today, cannabis is one of the most researched plants in the world.
He believed in understanding and educating people about plants. At Theo, we believe education is key to appreciating cannabis.
He built a foundation for botany. We’re building a dispensary experience rooted in knowledge, trust, and top-tier products.
So when you walk into Theo Cannabis Co., you’re stepping into more than just a New Jersey dispensary. It might not be a dispensary near Greece, but you’re stepping into a place inspired by the Father of Botany himself. If Theophrastus were here today, we’re pretty sure he’d approve… after asking a lot about hybrid strains or questions like, “what on Earth is a pre-roll?” or, “a vape does WHAT?”
Theophrastus’s Legacy in Modern Cannabis Science
Back in Theophrastus’s time, plants weren’t just for decoration, they were studied for their medicinal and practical uses. Yup, they were doing it way before we did. Today, we continue that mission at Theo, making sure our customers get the highest quality cannabis for wellness, relaxation, and enjoyment.
Like Theophrastus, we believe in the power of knowledge. That’s why we:
• Educate customers on cannabis strains, effects, and responsible use.
• Curate top-tier cannabis products, just like a botanist would.
• Focus on quality, science, and respect for the plant world.
We’re not just a New Jersey dispensary. We’re a place where plant science meets modern cannabis culture. Theophrastus may not have known about THC percentages or terpene profiles, but we’d like to think he’d appreciate our dedication to the craft.
Theophrastus Would Totally Approve — And So Will You
So the next time you step into Theo Cannabis Co., remember: you’re walking into a place inspired by the OG plant expert himself, Theophrastus. Who knew ancient Greece and modern cannabis had so much in common?
Want to see Theophrastus’s legacy in action? Visit Theo Cannabis Dispensary and check out our carefully curated selection of premium cannabis products that you can even order online.
Got questions about cannabis strains, effects, or medicinal benefits? Our team is here to help just like Theophrastus would if he were around today (though he’d probably write a 500-page book about it).
Follow us for more plant wisdom, old and new!