An East Orange resident is expressing disappointment after finding out plans for a legal marijuana dispensary in her hometown would have to be put on hold. Precious Osagie-Erese’s application was denied municipal approval, a major barrier many other Black and brown cannabis businesses are facing across the state.
Shayla Cabrera is the CEO and founder of Tia Planta and one of the only women in the state with a license to grow marijuana. She has had trouble finding a location in a municipality that allows recreational sales. “It’s extremely discouraging to know that not one Black or brown operator has crossed the finish line and entered the market yet … when we were promised social equity. As we know the criminalization of the plant, most heavily impacted in a negative way our communities. So, therefore, these opportunities should be going to people like myself,” Cabrera said.
Suzan Nickelson, CEO and director of operations at Holistic Solutions in Camden County, is hopeful more Black- and brown-owned cannabis businesses will start getting the greenlight. She’s the first Black woman to open a medical dispensary in New Jersey. Last week, the state awarded her a license to sell recreational cannabis as well.
“It is a breathtaking opportunity to demonstrate that this is possible, and to be a model for other young women and women in the space to push forward to continue to advocate to be the voice of change in this industry,” said Nickelson.
Osagie-Erese hasn’t given up on her plans. “We still want to show that there’s opportunity for Black and brown people in cannabis through entrepreneurship. And if that means going to a different city, then fine. And if that means standing up for ourselves legally, that’s what we also plan to do,” she said.
Chasing the Dream: Poverty and Opportunity in America is a multiplatform public media initiative that provides a deeper understanding of the impact of poverty on American society. Major funding for this initiative is provided by the JPB Foundation. Additional funding is provided by Ford Foundation.
