One of the Garden State’s highly anticipated cannabis dispensaries is officially open for business. Hashstoria is slated to cut the ribbon on November 13, with giveaways, music, and celebrity appearances.
The dispensary, located at 799-805 Broad Street in the historic Four Corners District, is backed by some big names who will be making appearances at the ribbon cutting. Hashstoria is co-founded by Raekwon the Chef of Wu-Tang Clan fame, media personality and advocate Charlamagne Tha God, civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers, and entrepreneur Jedd Canty.
The path towards opening wasn’t always smooth; the dispensary’s original plans were first rejected by Newark’s Planning Board before some changes were made. But after extensive planning, construction, and final state approvals, Hashstoria will be hosting a full-day grand opening ceremony on Wednesday that includes appearances from the co-founders plus entertainment and community activities.
A ribbon cutting ceremony with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka will kick off at 3 p.m. along with a DJ, food trucks, giveaways, contests, and exclusive deals on Hashstoria’s premium cannabis products. Customers are encouraged to sign up for the dispensary’s loyalty program by downloading their app for a chance to win tickets to an exclusive, private performance by Raekwon.
Hashstoria will initially serve as an adult-use cannabis retail space with plans to evolve into a premier consumption lounge next year. The space, designed by Rachael H. Grochowski of RHG Architecture + Design, has blends the historical significance of the location with a modern, community-focused design and includes artwork from local artists.
Hashstoria’s vision for Newark extends beyond cannabis. The brand is committed to creating a wellness center that weaves cannabis into a broader mission of community health, education, and empowerment.
“Cannabis is just one part of our vision for Newark,” says Raekwon the Chef. “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.”
Bakari Sellers, a civil rights attorney and partner at Hashstoria, 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 back in 2022, over 160 retail dispensaries 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.
