NJ Gov. Murphy Visits Black-Owned Grower, Showcases Support For Diverse Cannabis Industry

Gov. Phil Murphy made headlines with a surprise visit to Prolific Growhouse, a Black-owned cannabis cultivator in New Jersey. His visit aligns with Garden State’s rapidly expanding cannabis market and coincides with the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight event on June 17. Murphy’s visit was prompted by the creation of a new cannabis strain named after him, showcasing the intersection of local government support and industry growth.

Governor’s Surprise Visit

Murphy recently paid an unexpected visit to Prolific Growhouse, a Black-owned cannabis cultivator in New Jersey. His visit came as a surprise to the team, who had named a new cannabis strain after him, “Murphy’s Sourz.” This strain, described as a “delightful mix of sour lemon, sweet tangerine, with hints of diesel and pine,” was created to capture the governor’s attention.

CEO David Nicolas told WHYY, “We were like, ‘Let’s try to get Governor Murphy’s attention with this one.' I didn’t expect him to give me a surprise visit.” Murphy expressed his delight, saying, “I’m honored,” while posing with a promotional flier for the strain.

Pushing for Diversity

The governor’s visit points to a broader push for diversity within New Jersey’s cannabis industry. During the tour, he emphasized his administration’s commitment to fairness and support for those impacted by cannabis prohibition and the War on Drugs.

“I still want to see… more reward and redemption for the folks who were crushed by the war on drugs,” Murphy said.

Since the legalization of recreational marijuana in November 2020, New Jersey has awarded 1,943 licenses, with 70% going to “diversely owned” businesses. As of now, the state has 115 adult-use cannabis businesses in operation, including 13 cultivators.

New Jersey’s Cannabis Market Potential

The growing interest in New Jersey’s cannabis market will be a focal point at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight event in New Brunswick on June 17, 2024. This event, which follows a sold-out event in California, aims to foster networking and business relationships within the industry.

While New Jersey is the primary focus, the event attracts interest from neighboring states such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss various aspects of the cannabis market, including supply chain logistics, regulatory compliance, and the shift from an illicit market to a regulated one.

Spotlight on Networking and New Ideas

Benzinga’s event will feature high-impact networking sessions and casual mixers to connect industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and state officials. It also includes the Canna Founders Pitch Competition, in partnership with Rooted in Good, inviting businesses with less than $250,000 in revenue last year to apply by May 28. This competition aims to highlight new products and services that are ready for market.

As New Jersey’s cannabis industry continues to grow, events like the Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight provide essential platforms for discussing the state’s future in the industry. Murphy’s recent engagement with Prolific Growhouse reflects the importance of diversity and fairness in this evolving market. The upcoming event will shape the conversation about the future of cannabis in New Jersey and the surrounding regions.

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Cannabis rescheduling seems to be right around the corner. Want to understand what this means for the future of the industry? Hear directly for top executives, investors, and policymakers at the 19th Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, coming to Chicago this Oct. 8-9. Get your tickets now before prices surge by following this link.

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