Tahir Johnson has been involved with many of the leading cannabis advocacy groups and trade associations across the country, giving him a breadth of experience necessary for tackling his newest role: president of the Minority Cannabis Business Association.
In addition to his advocacy leadership, Johnson is the CEO of Simply Pure Trenton, a cannabis dispensary scheduled to open soon in New Jersey.
Johnson spoke with Marijuana Venture about his new role with the MCBA, the need for diversity in the industry and an update on the progress of his long-planned business venture.
Marijuana Venture: Congratulations on being selected the new president of the Minority Cannabis Business Association. Mr. President, what are your most immediate plans or goals related to the association?
Johnson: As the new president of the Minority Cannabis Business Association, my immediate goals are to expand our membership and funding, enhance our advocacy efforts in Washington, and increase our offerings of services and resources available to minority-owned cannabis businesses.
To achieve these objectives, we’ve initiated several key initiatives. First, we launched a member survey to ensure that our efforts align with the priorities of our constituency and that our policy positions accurately reflect these priorities. We kicked off our Workshop Tour in March, which will visit 28 cities before the end of the year, assisting attendees in elevating their businesses. We also participated in 420 Unity Day of Action on April 18, lobbying around our interests.
Lastly, we are preparing to launch our Social Equity Scholarship Program, offering complimentary MCBA membership to social equity licensees all over the country.
MV: You’ve worked in numerous advocacy groups and trade associations in your career. How well has that prepared you to take the reins of the MCBA?
Johnson: My background working with leading industry advocacy groups and trade associations has given me a comprehensive understanding of the legislative process and the specific needs of minority cannabis operators. I’ve had the opportunity to form relationships with lawmakers and industry stakeholders, key to our success in achieving our goals. In each role, my focus was on promoting diversity and equitable policies and enhancing access to resources for minority entrepreneurs. That experience, along with my firsthand perspective as an operator, make me uniquely qualified to lead MCBA.
MV: What would it take to deem your leadership a success if we were to rehash this conversation a few years down the line?
Johnson: We’re at a critical time in the industry where cannabis is becoming more mainstream and policy reform is inevitable. I am measuring the success in my term as MCBA president by how well I’m able to grow the organization and give voice to the concerns of minority cannabis business owners.
MV: Social equity. Has it been a success, a failure, something in between? Or is it too much of a state-by-state concept and a work in progress?
Johnson: Social equity in the cannabis industry is a complex and evolving concept, with outcomes varying significantly across states. Programs that provide opportunities for minority entrepreneurs through grants, educational programs and prioritized licensing have opened doors for individuals in each market, including myself, who were disproportionately affected by cannabis criminalization, offering a chance for economic participation and growth. Therefore, despite challenges, it would be hard for me to consider it a failure. We’re less than a decade out from when the first social equity program was launched, so it’s only fair to consider it a work in progress. Each state’s approach and the lessons learned from existing initiatives will shape the future of social equity in the sector.
MV: What’s the latest you can share on Simply Pure in New Jersey?
Johnson: After two years of hard work, I’m finally ready to open Simply Pure Trenton! We’re putting the final touches on the buildout and I’ve started onboarding key team members. I’m planning to call for my final inspection from the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission before the end of April and with that hope that we can get our doors open by Memorial Day.
MV: How is your business going and what are your thoughts about the New Jersey market in general?
Johnson: I’m truly proud of the progress in New Jersey’s cannabis market. Our licensing system has removed significant barriers such as real estate and capital requirements, along with complex application processes that often hinder minority participation. The state is pioneering a historic program, allocating $20 million in grants and introducing statewide programs offering technical assistance for licensees. Although there was a slow start, more independent and minority-owned cannabis businesses are coming online every month and I’m looking forward to collaboration. The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission’s executive director recently highlighted that sales are projected to exceed $1 billion this year, with just over 100 retail stores operational, making this an exciting time for me to be entering the market.
MV: You’ve been a part of this industry for a while, and I’m sure you could go be successful in a “more normal” career with fewer headaches and challenges. Do you still love it? What drives you to do what you do?
Johnson: I love being a part of the cannabis industry! When I decided to leave my career in wealth management for a budtender job in 2019, my goal was to start my own legal cannabis business and to foster opportunities for Black entrepreneurs to thrive in the space.
The potential of my success to pave the way for others or to inspire someone that achieving this is possible motivates me to persevere through challenging times.
I also see this as more than a career. I view the end of cannabis prohibition and addressing its negative impacts on our communities as one of our generation’s most crucial challenges, and being a leader in this historic movement is something I cherish deeply. Working in this industry has been both the most demanding and the most rewarding experience of my life.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.