Celebrity grower Jim Belushi is poised to make a significant impact in New Jersey’s cannabis landscape through his collaboration with High Grass Farms. The well-known actor and cannabis advocate has planned visits to several dispensaries across South Jersey, including ReLeaf in Williamstown, High Rollers in Atlantic City, Frosted Nug in Penns Grove, and Jersey Joint in Glassboro. Belushi will be accompanied by the pro-cannabis South Jersey Chamber of Commerce at one of these locations, adding a sense of community engagement to his promotional efforts.
High Grass Farms, which recently renewed its license with the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, boasts a substantial 48,000 square foot facility in Buena. This operational scale positions the farm to offer a wide array of cannabis products tailored for the growing market.
Belushi’s entry into New Jersey includes the launch of three distinct brands: Belushi’s Farm, The Blues Brothers, and Big Sur Holy Weed. Under the Belushi’s Farm label, he plans to showcase various cultivar strains such as Pink Certz, Mule Fuel, and Apple Tart, along with a selection of vapes, concentrates, and brick hash products. Jim has emphasized his excitement through a video he shared, highlighting his diverse product offerings.
Reflecting on the legacy of his late brother John Belushi of The Blues Brothers fame, Jim finds personal significance in this venture. He recalls their shared experiences with the band, which rose to prominence during its time on Saturday Night Live. With John’s untimely passing in the 1980s, Jim has dedicated himself to continuing the band’s legacy. He expressed a heartfelt belief that had his brother chosen cannabis instead of other substances, he might still be with us today.
Previously, Belushi’s journey in the cannabis realm was documented in the Discovery Channel series “Growing Belushi,” which focused on his legal cannabis farm in Oregon and showcased innovative cultivation practices, including playing music for his plants.
Belushi’s expansion into New Jersey aligns with a larger trend of celebrity brands entering the cannabis market. He joins a roster of notable personalities such as Raekwon from the Wu-Tang Clan and radio host Charlamagne tha God, who once operated Hashstoria dispensary in Newark. Berner, known for the Cookies brand, has established a dispensary in Harrison, promoting various collaborations as well. Furthermore, actor Ice-T is part-owner of the Medicine Woman dispensary in Jersey City, while former NBA player Al Harrington has opened Village dispensary in Hoboken.
As the cannabis community in New Jersey navigates the involvement of celebrity brands, perceptions vary. Generally, celebrities with genuine appreciation for cannabis receive a warmer welcome from the public.
With Jim Belushi set to launch his brand in New Jersey, attention will undoubtedly focus on his promotional events and the influence his products will have on the local cannabis market, signifying an exciting new chapter in the state’s evolving industry.