Cannabis education and networking group comes to Flemington

New Jersey residents curious about the cannabis industry can hear from industry experts this Thursday, June 7, at the Flemington market of Women Grow, a national cannabis-centric networking group.

The meeting features Leo Bridgewater, a U.S. veteran and longtime New Jersey cannabis activist; etiquette advice from expert Jennifer Tyler-Washington of I Am Polished; and environmental attorney Liz Bogle of Cole Schotz, P.C., Hackensack.

Bridgewater, who holds leadership positions with the New Jersey Cannabis Commission, Minorities for Medical Marijuana, and the New Jersey CannaBusiness Association, will discuss New Jersey’s expanding medical marijuana program, and racial and social justice issues pertaining to the quickly-evolving legal cannabis industry.

“Cannabis has the power to transform New Jersey and help thousands heal from many health issues which impact our communities,” Bridgewater said. “The continuing expansion of the medical marijuana program, and the ongoing discussions regarding adult-use cannabis, make this an exciting time for patients and entrepreneurs in the Garden State.”

In recent months, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) has led a push in Trenton to expand medical marijuana access to more New Jersey patients. According to NJ.com, the program has grown from about 16,000 to more than 21,000 patients, adding approximately 100 patients each day since the expansion was announced late March.

At the same time, several bills proposed in the New Jersey legislature address legal adult-use cannabis. While the measure is more controversial than the continued expansion of medical marijuana, that hasn’t stopped entrepreneurs from learning what they can about the cannabis industry and its impact in New Jersey, purported to be worth $850 million. Murphy supports a legal adult-use cannabis industry in New Jersey.

“A future adult-use cannabis industry in New Jersey is not just about growing, dispensing and selling accessories: the industry needs attorneys, financial professionals, payroll professionals, and much more,” said Stacey Yalenti, CPA, of Crabapple Cove Accounting Group and market leader for Women Grow - Flemington.

Yalenti added that etiquette tips may help business owners discuss cannabis, which can be a delicate and controversial subject, with friends, family and business partners.

“There are many opportunities to get involved in the industry, and the time to prepare is now, even as discussions continue in Trenton,” Yalenti said.

According to Yalenti, Bogle’s expertise in water-and-energy-intensive cannabis and hemp cultivation processes can help dodge significant environmental issues down the road.

“The best way to tackle these issues head-on is to discuss them now, and discuss them early,” Yalenti said, adding that attendees will have the opportunity to meet and network before and after the program.

The Women Grow-Flemington event will be held June 7 from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. at Lone Eagle Brewery, 44 Stangl Road, Flemington. Tickets are $25 per person. Refreshments will be available. Future events are held on the first Thursday of the month. For more information and to register, visit www.WomenGrow.com.