Lily Extracts: Craft, Culture, and Commitment in New Jersey’s Adult-Use Market

Garfield, NJ - Nearly two years after its launch, Lily Extracts has found its footing in New Jersey’s rapidly evolving adult-use cannabis industry. The journey, however, has been everything but smooth. Early setbacks during the state application process, unforeseen financial hiccups and painfully slow responses from governing bodies during the approval process caused severe launch delays for Lily Extracts. Toss in a regulatory framework that wasn’t yet prepared for Lily Extracts to begin operating in the adult use market, and you’ve got yourself a perfect storm that would force most companies to shut their doors before opening.

Instead, founders Richard Giglio and Angel Cruz leaned into resilience. Their persistence and grit propelled Lily Extracts forward, transforming obstacles into momentum.

At the core of the brand’s identity is the partnership between Giglio and Cruz. Richard Giglio, a proud New Jersey native, has always carried the conviction that nothing subpar should ever bear the name of a brand that he proudly represents. His insistence on quality, consistency, and professionalism meshes seamlessly with Angel Cruz’s expertise—a veteran of the plant who sees cannabis as more than a commodity, but as a culture and as a craft worth honoring.

This leadership synergy has enabled Lily Extracts to push boundaries swiftly, efficiently and accurately in product innovation. One of the newest additions to the product suite is the Hash Hole.  The team is credited with releasing what is believed to be New Jersey’s first legal-market adult-use Hash Hole (also known as a Donut Hole). More than a first-to-market achievement, the product pays homage to legacy cannabis culture while maintaining the brand’s high standards for quality.

“Angel brings a depth of experience and respect for cannabis that provides the foundation for production on all of the product that we produce,” Richard says. “His perspective ensures Lily stays ahead of the competition when it comes to pushing the limit on product innovation.  Wait until you see what we’re pushing out next; I believe these two new products will become the standard for the industry within the next three to five years in the vape and edible categories.”

Cruz echoed the sentiment: “Richard’s Jersey pride, strategic insight and refusal to cut corners have shaped Lily into what it is today. He holds everyone to a high standard that reflects both the brand and the hard-working state we call home. That’s something I stand behind fully.”

With a growing team of skilled professionals, Lily Extracts continues to build on its core values: solventless excellence, cultural authenticity, and innovation rooted in tradition.

National, reputable brands have taken notice. In addition to expanding its own solventless footprint, Lily Extracts has also developed strong co-packing and white label partnerships with AIRO, Essential Extracts, and Miss Grass (producing their hash-infused pre-rolls).  “These are powerful partnerships and are very indicative of the high-quality product that we produce in volume and that we produce consistently.  I’m proud to say that these national brands trust us to produce and distribute their products in the New Jersey market, which is arguably one of the hottest markets in the country right now,” says Giglio.  “I can’t wait to see where we will be six months from now.”

 For Giglio, Cruz, and the Lily Extracts team, the work is far from finished. With eyes on the horizon, the brand remains committed to raising the bar for New Jersey cannabis.

By JC