Simply Pure Trenton has broken new ground in the cannabis industry. The dispensary, founded by Tahir Johnson and Wanda James, has become the first Black-owned multistate retail operator.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for diversity and representation in the cannabis sector.
Pioneering Partnership in Cannabis Retail
Johnson and James partnered to expand Simply Pure Trenton into multiple states through a licensing agreement. This approach diverges from the common practice of partnering with established multistate operators. Instead, they opted for a more independent growth strategy.
The business scaled up using outside investors and debt and equity deals. Johnson explained to MJ Biz Daily that this route made the most sense for their vision. He stated, “I had bigger companies with deeper pockets that wanted to partner, but that wouldn’t have made sense.”
Elevating Black-Owned Cannabis Brands
Simply Pure Trenton is not just breaking barriers in ownership. The dispensary is also dedicated to promoting other Black-owned cannabis products. They’ve allocated prime shelf space to these brands, giving them maximum visibility.
Johnson described their approach, saying, “It’s right in the center of the floor, in the most prominent area in the dispensary, so those brands get the most attention.” This strategy aims to boost visibility for minority-owned brands in the competitive cannabis market.
Collaboration and Innovation in Marketing
In a notable move, Simply Pure has partnered with ButACake, a Black-owned concentrates company. Together, they’re creating marketing displays for Simply Pure stores. This collaboration exemplifies the dispensary’s commitment to supporting fellow Black-owned businesses.
ButACake CEO Matha Figaro emphasized the importance of this initiative. She stated, “This opportunity represents the strength in collaboration for minority-owned brands striving for visibility in the competitive cannabis market.” Figaro also highlighted how this exposure amplifies their reach and underscores the importance of equitable shelf placement.
A Passion Project with Community Impact
For both Johnson and James, Simply Pure Trenton is more than just a business venture. It’s a passion project with deep roots in community and industry values. James reflected on the dispensary’s grand opening in July, describing it as a “heartfelt turnout.”
She told MJ Biz Daily, “Everyone was just ready for this. The industry was a passion for both of us, and we both had a lot of the same feelings about business, what the plant stood for, and what it could mean for the community.”
