Shore Grow Hydro shop recently hosted a fundraiser in Oakhurst in Central Jersey to raise money for the Coalition for Medical Marijuana of NJ (CMMNJ) homegrow legalization advocates.
They welcomed guests to a summer afternoon of community, education, and connection around cannabis. The fundraiser was a strong showing of the cannabis community coming together to raise money for an important organization.
Supporting CMMNJ’s Fight for Homegrow
Ken Wolski, a retired Registered Nurse (RN) and Executive Director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana of New Jersey (CMMNJ), explained how they have been a leader in the long fight for home cannabis legalization in New Jersey.
“We’re focused on advocating for home cultivation rights for patients. If not for everybody, then at least for every adult,” he said.
Wolski added that they are also fighting for insurance coverage for medical cannabis.
In addition, he explained some of the health benefits of medical cannabis he has observed.
“We want… hospital and institutional access. Because right now, if you’re using medical marijuana with a doctor’s recommendation, you have to stop using it when you go into a hospital. And that can be very detrimental to patients,” Wolski declared.
“In fact, you could really even lead to that patient’s death from seizures. Like I said, I’ve been a nurse now for almost 50 years here in the state of New Jersey. And I’ve seen patients die from seizures. So I know that happens if they can’t get the medicine that controls these seizures,” Wolski said. “That’s one of the things that marijuana can certainly do: help control seizures.”
The Homegrow Legalization Fight
There was major emphasis on homegrown at the event, which included Sativa Cross’ blow-up rat, which is pictured above.
Their effort to pass a law was initially named “Jeff’s Law” in honor of the late medical cannabis patient and activist, Jeff Oakes, who advocated for medicinal cannabis access while battling stage four cancer.
A larger NJ Home Grow coalition that includes local licensed cannabis operators has helped make progress by securing bipartisan support from legislators.
NJ Senate President Nick Scutari (D-22-Union) has been a champion of cannabis industry legalization for years. However, he said he opposes homegrow legalization because of the need to protect the struggling industry.
Dispensary owners have told Heady NJ they believe shady smoke shops selling Delta 8 and THCA hemp weed are a bigger problem than sickly gardeners.
Vendors and Artists Make the Scene
The Patient Aid fundraiser included an impressive selection of cannabis companies tabling like Garden State Hemp, Dub Proof, Panda Farms, High Grass Farms, a noted artist, and a local bagel shop, Brielle Bagels. Oil painter Andrew Derhay had trippy art for sale. He shared how cannabis inspires his psychedelic work.
“It can help you see further into the work and allow you to communicate with it on a level that you probably wouldn’t without. And the painting can reveal things to you in the high state that you just wouldn’t. You can’t get anywhere else. So yeah, it’s a very valuable tool for me,” Derhay explained.
John Mada, a vendor from the legal cultivator Panda Farms, shared his excitement. “We’re happy to be here today. It’s a beautiful sunny afternoon over here at Shore Grow. We’re pumped to be part of the event and support homegrown.”
Shore Grow Hydro explained that they are focused on providing cannabis hydroponic supplies and goods to help customers grow healthy, prosperous cannabis wherever they are. They focus on providing hydroponic nutrients, lights, and other grow equipment to cultivate marijuana. Shore Grow Hydro also offers expert service and free classes to help each customer with questions and concerns.
