N.J. Marijuana Retailers Association: Advocacy, Integrity and Growth

TRENTON, N.J., Nov. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In anticipation of the state of New Jersey legalizing marijuana for recreational use, a statewide group is establishing an organization of responsible retailers to seek economic growth and jobs, advocate for members and help them navigate the challenges facing this emerging industry.

The New Jersey Marijuana Retailers Association – NJMRA – is ready to work with other stakeholders to shepherd responsible business practices and opportunities.

"Our goal is to have our members represent the most respected, business-focused and compliance-driven class of the licensed, marijuana-retailer businesses," explains Juan Carlos Negrin, president of the association. "The NJMRA was formed with a mission to advocate, educate and to deal with legislative, licensing and regulatory issues affecting the marijuana retail industry at the state level."

The New Jersey Marijuana Retailers Association sees substantial economic opportunity for a number of industries, small-business owners and entrepreneurs. These include farmers, growers and harvesters, the trucking industry, and suppliers, wholesalers and retailers.

The time is right for the NJMRA to form, due to administrations changing in Trenton this January and residents clearly in favor of legal recreational use. According to a Quinnipiac University poll in September, "Garden State voters support, 59 to 38 percent, allowing adults to legally possess small amounts of marijuana for personal use."

"With this polling data showing strong support to take marijuana sales out of the black market," says Lorna O'Hara, association director, "we are forming this association to ensure not only that the retailers have a seat at the table but also that their voice is heard. At the same time, we are setting the highest standard for those business owners who choose to be retailers in this industry."

New Jersey, where medical marijuana is legal, would join seven states and the District of Columbia in legalizing recreational use: Colorado, Massachusetts, Washington state, Alaska, Maine, California and Nevada. According to Businessinsider.com, the industry is on track to post $20.2 billion in sales by 2021.

Business owners, entrepreneurs, retailers and other potential stakeholders can learn more about the New Jersey Marijuana Retailers Association by going to its web site.

ABOUT THE NJMRA: NJMRA's objective is for the Garden State's marijuana retail industry to have one voice, which advocates, educates, promotes and creates cohesiveness within the industry.

SOURCE New Jersey Marijuana Retailers Association (NJMRA)