Many celebrities and dignitaries were on hand for the opening of Hashstoria, a cannabis dispensary, in Newark on Wednesday, including co-founders Wu-Tang Clan rapper Raekwon and radio personality Charlamagne tha God.
The day-long celebration featured media personalities, performances, food trucks and community activities. In addition to Raekwon and Charlamagne, the ribbon was cut by co-founders Bakari Sellers, a civil rights attorney, and entrepreneur Jedd Canty.
Hashstoria, located on Broad Street in the historic Four Corners district, has a vision for Newark that extends beyond cannabis. The brand plans to also create a wellness center that weaves cannabis into a broader mission of community health, education and empowerment. Designed by Rachael Grochowski of RHG Architecture + Design, the venue blends the historical significance of the location with a modern, community-focused design, which includes artwork from local artists.
“Cannabis is just one part of our vision for Newark,” said Raekwon. “We’re not just normalizing cannabis use; we’re using it as a catalyst to uplift our people and culture, much like hip-hop has done for decades.”
A branch of an Oregon-based cannabis consumption lounge brand, Hashtoria plans to evolve next year from an adult-use cannabis retail space to a consumption lounge for smoking.
Sellers emphasizes the brand’s dedication to social equity and community engagement. “We are committed to working with the great city of Newark to safely and legally expand the cannabis industry here,” says Sellers. “We appreciate the collaboration with the Mayor’s office and the City Council, and we look forward to making a meaningful impact in the community by creating opportunities and fostering local talent.”
Since recreational cannabis sales were legalized in New Jersey in April 2022, over 160 retail stores have opened across the state. The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission expects the market to surpass $1 billion in 2024, with dispensaries now found in all 21 counties.
[RELATED: New Jersey’s Cannabis Business Is Booming—But It Sure Isn’t Easy Money]
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