Former New Mexico Republican Gov. Gary Johnson has joined a new company that will make marijuana-based products. Now that two states have legalized recreational marijuana use and multiple states allow its medicinal use, new business ventures are springing up.

Johnson was New Mexico's governor for two terms, from 1995 to 2003. He left the GOP and joined the Libertarian Party, running for president as its candidate in 2012. The company he has joined is called Cannabis Sativa, and it will make marijuana oils and edibles for both medicinal and recreational use.

Such a prominent figure's decision to join a company like this shows the shift in public opinion and the potential of the new market.

"People are starting to recognize that there is a very real opportunity here to build a legitimate and professional industry," the Colorado-based National Cannabis Industry Association's deputy director, Taylor West, told VICE News. "There's been a real evolution in recent years."

As part of his deal with the company, Johnson's salary will be $1 a year in exchange for equity in the company. Cannabis Sativa began as a tanning salon business before realizing the new marijuana market might prove more lucrative. The company will begin making marijuana oils for children with epilepsy, as well as cannabis-infused lozenges for adult recreation, according to VICE News. Johnson, who has tested some of the products, has approved of their benefit.

"Couple of things hit you when you try the product," he told The Associated Press. "One is, wow, why would anybody smoke marijuana given this is an alternative? And then secondly, it's just very, very pleasant. I mean, very pleasant."

Cannabis Sativa has also bought a marijuana research company called Kush. Johnson told the AP he hopes to expand the company and will work from New Mexico to produce products for Colorado and Washington. The company is trying to navigate the murky legal waters of federal and state law, the former of which outright bans marijuana.

Related