By Mejia Launches Roll Pride Pre-Roll
Rob Mejia, adjunct professor of Hemp and Cannabis Business Management at Stockton University, has launched a pre-roll product called Roll Pride. Mejia stated that his sons identify as both gay and queer, which helped shape Roll Pride’s purpose: having a portion of proceeds benefit a local organization that supports the LGBTQ+ community. The product is one of three trademarks Mejia owns in the industry.
The other trademarks are Our Community Harvest and Garden State OG.
Mejia has been at the forefront of New Jersey’s cannabis industry evolution from the onset. He has authored publications on the subject, presented at conferences and helped put Stockton on the map during an exciting time in the state.
Supporting Students Through Scholarship
Mejia is establishing the Garden State OG Scholarship to provide financial help to Stockton University students. This fund will continue supporting students long after Mejia leaves the university.
Scholarship recipients are often first-generation students. Mejia believes a little financial help can make a big difference for them.
Mejia emphasized that Stockton prepares students to work in the industry. Students learn about the science, history, and business of cannabis. They also hear directly from people working in the field.
The university’s offerings have grown from a minor into a Bachelor of Science in Hemp and Cannabis Business Management. Mejia has authored publications and presented at conferences on the subject.
Developing New Jersey Strains
Mejia is working with cultivator and geneticist Justin Esquivel of Green Luster Phenos. They are developing a cannabis strain specifically suited to New Jersey and the East Coast region. The team is crossing OG Kush and Dewberry to create a plant capable of handling high humidity.
Mejia explained that he cannot trademark an actual cannabis product because it is federally illegal. He chose categories like education and apparel to establish the trademarks. This strategy anticipates national legalization in the future.
Mejia has experience placing other products on the market, including books, apparel, wallpaper, plush toys, and furniture. He noted that working to place cannabis products in dispensaries is different. It requires product development, sales efforts, and promotional follow-up.
