Ayr Wellness, well-known Cannabis advocates team to launch brand
Ayr Wellness partners with Cannabis advocates Stanley Okoro and Brendon Robinson.
Multistate operator Ayr Wellness is teaming up with well-known cannabis advocates Stanley Okoro and Brendon Robinson for the launch of a brand that’ll help support the lifelong friends’ mission to give minorities a pathway into New Jersey’s legalized market.
The new line – Mudd Brothers Cannabis Co. – will debut its live rosin concentrates and cartridges at the MSO’s retail shops in Union, Eatontown and Woodbridge July 10, also known as Oil Day (or Dab Day), an unofficial holiday in cannabis culture to celebrate oil products, dabs and concentrates.
The rollout includes live rosin concentrates in three flavors (Tahoe Cream, Melon Bomb and Sundae Sherbet) with cartridge options in Tahoe Cream and Kool Whip, according to Ayr.
Robinson said, “Mudd Brothers is so much more than a brand, it’s a mindset. It’s an experience. It’s the finishing piece to our ecosystem. We’re going to be producing a high quality product with a higher quality mission, this brand will reshape the cannabis industry and it’s a dream come true for us.”
“The name Mudd Brothers is symbolic of our grit, determination and sheer desire to maximize our potential. Mudd Brothers, the brand, is a movement based on authenticity, loyalty and community,” he added.
Okoro echoed the sentiment, saying, “We wanted to create a brand that not only represents our commitment to our community, but also the culture that got us here and the hustler spirit that is essential to be successful in this industry.”
That’s why a portion of Mudd Brothers product sales will go toward supporting the Minority Cannabis Academy, a workforce development program launched last year by Robinson and Okoro that’s focused on equipping disenfranchised communities with the career skills related to the business and science of cannabis. During the free eight-week program, participants get a hands-on experience of what it’s like to work in the industry, preparing them for a wide range of positions, including chief executive officer, store manager and cultivation director.
By helping support the MCA, Robinson believes Mudd Brothers will further the mission of creating a cannabis culture “that is more diverse and inclusive.”
“Through Mudd Brothers, we’re able to tap into our love for the community and our love for the plant simultaneously, which aligns perfectly with our long-term goals and perspective,” he stated.
With three dispensaries in New Jersey – the maximum allowed under state law – Miami-based Ayr has one of the largest shares of the recreational use market by footprint in the Garden State.
As part of its ongoing commitment to restorative justice, Ayr runs a number of programs, including free expungement clinics in cities such as Newark and Rahway.
Julie Winter, a general manager for Ayr New Jersey, said the MSO is thrilled to launch its partnership with the Mudd Brothers to bring a top-quality line of live rosin and live resin concentrates to Union, Woodbridge and Eatontown.
“As Ayr has demonstrated through our ‘Force for Good’ initiatives, cannabis education and employment/entrepreneurial opportunities have always been top of mind,” she said. “Partnering with a group such as Mudd Brothers – who emphasizes high-quality products and a higher-quality mission to help empower communities most impacted by the War on Drugs – was a perfect alignment of values, and we are elated to share this carefully crafted product experience with New Jersey consumers.”
Okoro agreed he and Robinson are excited to team up “with an organization whose values align so closely with our own.”
“Through our cannabis journey, Brendon and I have always tried our best to align ourselves with people and organizations who are not only passionate about the plant, but also committed to helping marginalized communities. Ayr exemplifies this with various community based and statewide initiatives that provide instrumental resources and tutelage to underserved communities.”
Robinson agreed, saying, “Ayr has been the best partner we could have ever asked for in this situation. They’ve provided us with the resources, the infrastructure and the creative control to establish a brand that resembles us and our culture. There were no shortcuts along the way and every part of this process was a first-class experience. At this point, I wouldn’t even call Ayr our partner; they’re family and we plan to build on this amazing relationship moving forward.”
