Voices of Cannabis: Tahir Johnson

This Trenton, NJ native will open the first adult-use cannabis dispensary in his city later this year.

“My parents literally saw all three of their sons arrested for cannabis… just to be able to change this whole dynamic of what cannabis means to my family and the area is such a blessing.”

Tahir Johnson

After receiving more than 1,000 applications for all license types, on May 24, 2022, the New Jersey Cannabis Board granted its first 11 conditional retail licenses for adult use – and one of those licenses went to entrepreneur Tahir Johnson. Tahir was granted a conditional license to his company, Simply Pure Inc., based in Trenton, New Jersey.

Tahir also helped John Dockery, a lifelong friend and social justice competitor, obtain his own conditional license to open a second location. Tahir, who faced cannabis-related charges prior to the application, had been closely monitoring the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission for updates on social justice applicants and potential business owners.

He also consistently advocated for justice in space. While pursuing his dream of becoming a pharmacy owner and while having his conditional license, Tahir built important relationships and support while continuing to raise capital.