The NJ Globe reported that Governor Phil Murphy (D) is replacing NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC) Commissioner Charles Barker with Amelia Mapp, the wife of Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp.
It is unexpected news. There was no hint of it yesterday at the NJCRC’s monthly meeting.
“The Governor thanks Commissioner Barker for his service on the Cannabis Regulatory Commission over the past three and a half years and for his work establishing an equitable adult-use cannabis market in New Jersey, with social justice at the forefront. We look forward to Commissioner-designate Amelia Mapp continuing to build upon this important work on the Commission,” Murphy’s spokesperson Natalie Hamilton said.
She did not explain the reason for this change.
Charles Barker was specifically appointed because the NJCRC must have someone with activist ties, and he was part of the National Action Network headed by Reverand Al Sharpton.
According to the NJ Globe, the NJ State Senate must approve her appointment.
While Adrian Mapp has been a consistent and vocal supporter of cannabis legalization, Amelia Mapp has not been active in the New Jersey cannabis industry or the community.
Some social justice advocates suspected this would happen.
For Social Equity Critical of Large MSOs
Barker has been one of the most outspoken members of the NJCRC since they were formed in 2021.
He has consistently voted no or abstained from many votes. Barker has given many speeches in favor of local minority entrepreneurs who the War on Drugs has harmed. He has been vocal in supporting these individuals who are the Goldilocks that many advocates want to succeed in the New Jersey cannabis industry.
Barker has been very critical of large cannabis corporations that are Multi-State Operators (MSOs) and some of their shady practices several times. Many of those who dislike large MSOs have liked the points made by Barker.
Thus, some are unhappy at the surprising news.
“You got the 1st African American male Commissioner, and he’s quote-unquote “stepping down” and he ain’t saying nothing.” cannabis advocate and businessman Leo Bridgewater noted.
He has one of the most respected New Jersey cannabis advocates who has been at many cannabis press conferences with Murphy and was featured in a video produced by the State of New Jersey.
“This is wrong,” Bridgewater declared. “Something is not right about this. The day after a meeting? He didn’t say anything at the meeting.”
Questioning the Cannabis Credentials of New NJCRC Commissioner
He questioned her credentials.
“Who vetted her? Who?!” Bridgewater asked.
Mayor Mapp brought her to the opening of the Royal M dispensary in Plainfield and thanked her briefly, among others.
Bridgewater noted Barker was active in the cannabis industry and worked for Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), advising him on cannabis policy and attended several cannabis events before being appointed Commissioner.
“She ain’t never been on the cannabis scene before!” he exclaimed. “Does she know the difference between indica and sativa?”
“Does she know the difference between cannabis and hemp? The last thing we need is somebody we need to make a commissioner who had to learn about this.” Bridgewater declared.
The Governor’s Office did not detail her relevant experience for the position.
Bridgewater said others are more qualified to succeed Charles Barker.
“Replace him with someone who will be an asset to the CRC,” he declared.
In addition, Bridgewater noted former NJCRC Executive Director Jeff Brown received a great deal of praise when he left in May.
The Background of Amelia Mapp
“She’s a ringer. I will never trust this! Something’s wrong! Something ain’t right. This is undermining the CRC!” he exclaimed.
Bridgewater criticized her pharmaceutical background.
“We could use somebody who has a really good strong educational background. We could use someone who has a background in state politics. Pharmaceutical? You’re kidding me. Something is wrong!” he declared.
“Nobody ain’t never heard of her!” Bridgewater exclaimed. “She is not qualified for this job!”
“We can’t trust her!” he declared. “I’m losing confidence now. This is fishy. Something is wrong.”
“How am I supposed to feel confident? And why did you do it this way?” Bridgewater asked. “How is this a good idea?”
Union County Ties
Amelia Mapp is from Union County, which is dominated by Senate President Nick Scutari (D-22) of Linden. While Scutari pushed for cannabis legalization, he had to be pushed to ensure the New Jersey cannabis industry is diverse with opportunities for local small businesspeople.
He is also the reason that home growing of cannabis remains a felony.
Amelia is also a Union County Board of Taxation commissioner. That means she is likely close to Scutari, who, in addition to being Senate President, is the Union County Democratic Organization Chair.
Bridgewater noted that while Commissioner Maria Del-Cid is also from Union County, she was with the Department of Health when they were handling the medical marijuana program. So she had experience with the issue.
He praised the NJCRC for the progress they’ve made thus far.
“And now you pull this?” Bridgewater asked.
“There are too many of us who have fought too hard to see this bastardized,” he declared.
Bridgewater criticized the advisors of Governor Murphy for their lack of experience in cannabis policy.
“There’s no way he’s being advised by real cannabis people,” he declared.
Amelia Mapp, with her background in pharmaceuticals, likely shares the views of Big Pharma.
Many leading cannabis advocates fear a takeover of the cannabis industry by Big Pharma, Big Tobacco, and Big Alcohol, which will hurt the locally owned businesses and those who believe in quality craft cannabis.
Barker was featured at a UFCW labor union event last year that I moderated.
