Simply Pure Trenton has officially opened its doors at 1531 N Olden Ave, Ewing, NJ 08638. As one of New Jersey’s first Black-owned, woman-owned, and veteran-owned social equity cannabis businesses awarded an adult-use license, this dispensary is setting a new standard for inclusivity and community impact in the cannabis industry.
Simply Pure NJ Sign
A Vision for Inclusion and Quality
Simply Pure Trenton aims to redefine the cannabis retail experience in the greater Trenton area and beyond, catering to both medical patients and recreational users. The expansive 6,000-square-foot space showcases an impressive selection of top-tier products from well-known brands like Cookies, Miss Grass, Garden Greens, Hamilton Farms, Wana, and Select. Additionally, the store highlights Black-owned brands such as Mudd Brothers, Butacake, Prolific Growhouse, and Precious, reflecting its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
6,000 sq ft store
Designed for customer convenience, Simply Pure Trenton features 20 kiosks and a staff of 21 local specialists ready to provide expert guidance. The dispensary also offers practical amenities, including an EV charging station and a picnic area. This focus on accessibility and service is a testament to the leadership’s dedication to creating an environment that welcomes everyone, whether they are seasoned cannabis users or first-time visitors.
Bud Bar
Leadership Driven by Passion and Purpose
Founder Tahir Johnson, who also serves as the President of the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA), shared that his journey to starting Simply Pure Trenton began in 2018.
Tahir Johnson
He recognized both the economic opportunities and the stark disparities faced by African-Americans disproportionately arrested for cannabis-related offenses. This realization fueled his mission to create change. “Working in financial services for over a decade, I recognized that lack of access to capital and technical skills were major barriers in the industry. I left my job in wealth management, became a budtender, and pursued licenses in Maryland and New Jersey in 2019,” Johnson explained.
Despite initial setbacks, Johnson transitioned into cannabis advocacy, working with prominent trade groups to advance social equity at state and federal levels. His primary goal has always been to advance Black economic success and foster collaboration while making a meaningful impact on his community. “When cannabis was legalized in New Jersey, I saw an opportunity to try again. Partnering with Simply Pure, the first Black-owned legal dispensary in the country, and leveraging my friendship with Wanda James, I knew bringing Simply Pure to my hometown of Trenton, NJ was the right choice,” Johnson stated.
Tahir Johnson & Wanda James
Wanda James, Simply Pure’s Founder, emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating, “Tahir’s dedication to his community and vision for generational change makes him the ideal leader for Simply Pure Trenton as we expand outside of Colorado for the first time. This opening marks the start of our mission to collaborate with more social equity licensees and support those affected by the War on Drugs in reshaping the U.S. cannabis industry.”
Personal Impact of Cannabis Prohibition
Cannabis prohibition has had a profound impact on Johnson’s life. He has been arrested for cannabis three times, including a felony for possession with intent to distribute. “Growing up, I saw firsthand how the war on drugs devastated my community. My brothers and I were directly affected, and witnessing the pervasive impact of cannabis-related arrests and convictions opened my eyes to systemic injustices,” Johnson recounted. “These arrests create a ripple effect, impacting employment opportunities, housing stability, and overall quality of life. My personal experiences with cannabis prohibition have shaped every aspect of our mission, driving us to be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in the industry.”
These experiences instilled in him a sense of responsibility to advocate for change. Johnson explained that the goal of Simply Pure Trenton is not just to build a successful business but to create a platform for social equity and restorative justice. “I wanted to provide opportunities for those who, like me, have been marginalized by the war on drugs. Through Simply Pure Trenton, I strive to offer more than just cannabis products. I aim to create economic opportunities, provide education and resources, and advocate for policy changes supporting communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition.”
Contributing Positively to the Local Community
Simply Pure Trenton is committed to making a positive impact on the local community. One key initiative is “Social Justice Sundays,” focusing on activities promoting social equity and restorative justice.
During the grand opening weekend, they expunged 11 records with The Glory Firm, wrote 26 letters to prisoners incarcerated for cannabis with 40 Tons Brand, and hosted an advocacy activation with Free My Weedman. These activities not only helped individuals affected by past cannabis convictions but also highlighted the company’s dedication to addressing long-standing social injustices.
In addition, Simply Pure Trenton has partnered with the New Jersey Reentry Corporation and will donate 2% of net proceeds to support their work. This partnership helps reintegrate and support individuals impacted by the criminal justice system. Johnson highlighted that the dispensary aims to be a community hub, offering education and hosting cultural events that enrich the lives of local residents. “We provide resources and workshops to educate our community about the benefits and responsible use of cannabis, and host cultural events that celebrate local talent and heritage, fostering a sense of community and belonging.”
This approach aligns with the broader vision of using the dispensary as a platform for positive change. By integrating educational programs and community events into their operations, Simply Pure Trenton seeks to break down barriers and change perceptions about cannabis while supporting local development and empowerment.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Simply Pure Trenton
Looking ahead, Johnson’s plans for Simply Pure Trenton focus on growth and expanding their impact in the evolving cannabis industry. “Now that the dispensary is open, my immediate focus is on scaling our operations and enhancing our customer experience. We have been awarded conditional licenses for cultivation and delivery, which will allow us to offer a more comprehensive range of products and services,” he elaborated.
Johnson envisions Simply Pure Trenton playing a pivotal role in setting standards for quality, social responsibility, and community involvement. “Our goal is to be a leader not just in business success but in fostering an inclusive and equitable industry. Through strategic growth and unwavering commitment to our values, we aspire to be a model for others in the cannabis space, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve commercial success while driving positive social change. By leveraging our growth, we aim to create more job opportunities and support local economic development.”
The emphasis on growth is not limited to financial metrics but extends to creating a more diverse and representative cannabis industry. By providing opportunities for local entrepreneurs and forming partnerships that enhance their social equity mission, Simply Pure Trenton is poised to be at the forefront of meaningful change in New Jersey and beyond.
Upcoming Events: Styles P Appearance and Giveaways
Exciting events continue at Simply Pure Trenton this Saturday, August 3rd, when rapper Styles P will be visiting the dispensary. Known for his contributions to hip-hop and his advocacy for health and wellness, Styles P will be hosting a free product giveaway from his popular juice bar. This event promises to bring together community members and cannabis enthusiasts for a day of celebration and engagement. The collaboration with Styles P underscores Simply Pure Trenton’s commitment to integrating culture and wellness into their business model, further reinforcing their role as a community-centric establishment.
Celebratory Events Highlighting Community and Culture
Simply Pure Trenton’s grand opening festivities spanned four days, from Thursday, July 25 to Sunday, July 28, featuring a variety of exciting events:
- Thursday: Customers who spent $50 or more were entered into a raffle for a chance to win a pair of sneakers from Snipes.
- Friday: “Food Truck Friday” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, followed by a VIP event from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
- Saturday: Ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. with City Council President Kevin Baxter, and a meet and greet with rapper and entrepreneur Jim Jones from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
- Sunday: Expungement clinic sponsored by The Glory Firm, letter-writing campaign with 40 Tons Brand, Ice Cream Social sponsored by Ben & Jerry’s, live jazz by George V Johnson Jr., and dance performances by Watson-Johnson Dance Theatre.
These events showcased the diversity and vibrancy of the community, drawing attendees from across the region and setting a positive tone for Simply Pure Trenton’s role in the local landscape.
Each day was designed to highlight different aspects of the business and its mission, from legal advocacy to cultural celebration, reinforcing Simply Pure Trenton’s commitment to being more than just a cannabis retailer.
Building a Fair and Inclusive Future
Under the guidance of Wanda James, the first African American to own a legally licensed cannabis dispensary and edible company in the U.S., Simply Pure is dedicated to driving social equity in the cannabis industry. The opening of Simply Pure Trenton represents a significant milestone in their mission to foster an equitable, inclusive, and prosperous cannabis community. This New Jersey location is the company’s second dispensary nationwide.
For more details on Simply Pure’s commitment to equity and their franchising opportunities, visit Simply Pure.
Simply Pure Trenton stands as a beacon of what the future of the cannabis industry could look like—one that is inclusive, equitable, and focused on giving back to the communities that have been most impacted by the war on drugs. As they continue to expand and influence, Simply Pure Trenton is set to be a leader in transforming how cannabis businesses operate and engage with the world around them.
