New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has expressed his honor at having a marijuana product named after him and emphasized his commitment to expanding equity and redemption in the state’s cannabis industry. During a recent tour of Prolific Growhouse, a Black-owned cannabis cultivation facility, Murphy posed for a photo holding a promotional flier for the “Murphy’s Sourz” strain. This strain, described as a “delightful mix of sour lemon, sweet tangerine, with hints of diesel and pine,” was created by David Nicolas, CEO of Prolific Growhouse, who hoped to capture the governor’s attention.
Murphy’s visit to Prolific Growhouse was not just a photo opportunity but a call for further reform. He highlighted the need for “more equity, more reward and redemption for the folks who were crushed by the war on drugs.” He praised Nicolas as a “role model” for the industry, noting his resilience and success despite the adversities of past drug policies.
The governor’s tour of the facility was part of his efforts to observe the maturation of New Jersey’s cannabis industry since the legalization of marijuana in 2021. He expressed optimism about the future, stating, “Entrepreneurs like David Nicolas give me hope that we can build a strong and diverse industry that reverses some of the worst effects of the War on Drugs.”
New Jersey’s marijuana market is thriving, with regulators announcing record sales of $201 million in the first quarter of 2024. The state also saw unprecedented sales over the 4/20 weekend, with over $5.2 million in purchases on the holiday alone.
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) is working to ensure that the medical cannabis system remains robust even as the recreational market grows. Recently, the commission eliminated the cost of obtaining a medical cannabis card and approved rules for marijuana consumption lounges where people can buy and use cannabis products on-site. There is ongoing advocacy for legalizing home cultivation, a policy that remains a felony in the state but has strong support from lawmakers and activists.
Additionally, the CRC is seeking public input on how to distribute $3 million in revenue from a social equity tax on cannabis cultivators, aiming to support communities disproportionately affected by past drug laws.
Stay informed with daily cannabis business news updates. Subscribe now to keep up with the latest developments in the industry.
For the latest updates on cannabis business news, subscribe to our daily newsletter.
