Newark, New Jersey is about to witness a remarkable transformation as a historic building in the heart of the city's Four Corners district gets a new lease on life. In a groundbreaking collaboration, media personality Charlamagne tha God, hip-hop icon Raekwon the Chef of the Wu-Tang Clan, and esteemed civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers have announced the receipt of a Class V cannabis retail license from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) for their transformative Hashstoria cannabis operation. Partnering with renowned architect Rachael H. Grochowski of RHG Architecture + Design, their venture aims to revive a long-vacant historical building in the Four Corners at 799-805 Broad Street.
What Is Hashstoria's Cannabis Project In Newark?
It’s reported that the project will “break ground today,” but its initial phase will see the location opening as a dispensary in early 2024, with plans to evolve it into a consumption lounge later in the year. This joint effort signifies a powerful stride forward for both Hashstoria and the local community, promising to infuse downtown Newark with a vibrant new energy.
Hashstoria's mission extends beyond just selling cannabis. It's an intentional effort to create a cannabis retail environment that respects Newark's heritage and culture while providing an exceptional space for consumers to safely explore their relationship with cannabis. The endeavor is a tribute to the city’s rich history and community, as well as a symbol of progress for the cannabis industry.
What Is Raekwon The Chef Saying About Hashstoria In Newark?
Raekwon co-founded the brand in 2018 and has taken on new legendary status as a mentor to those seeking to enter the cannabis space. Though Hashstoria operates three facilities in Oregon, its bids to launch in New Jersey had stalled until the summer, when the company scored a victory with the Newark Central Planning Board.
The hip hop pioneer celebrated the news in an Instagram post, noting that the project will be a "culture-shifting endeavor" and it is "guaranteed to be the top tier consumption lounge / dispensary to hit the east coast [sic] period."
Bakari Sellers Thanks City Of Newark For Hashstoria Opportunity
Bakari Sellers, one of Hashstoria's partners, is known for his unwavering commitment to civil rights and social justice. The attorney, who also serves as a political analyst on CNN, became the youngest Black elected official in the country in 2006, when he successfully ran for South Carolina's House of Representatives at age 22. He held the legislative seat until 2014.
Sellers articulated the team's mission in a statement: "We are excited to be working with the great city of Newark to safely and legally expand the cannabis industry. The Hashstoria team is grateful for the collaboration with the Mayor's office and the City Council. We are dedicated to uplifting this community, rectifying the injustices of the past, and fostering positive change through our endeavors."
Architect Rachael Grochowski Talks Hashstoria Partnership
Architect Rachael Grochowski, known for creating immersive retail environments, is equally enthusiastic about her role in this project. She emphasized the importance of design in shaping the overall customer experience, stating, "I'm thrilled to apply my expertise in crafting a space that not only mirrors our collective vision but also optimizes the potential of every element. Design will play a pivotal role in shaping the comprehensive experience of our customers, from the very moment one enters. Our partnership with Hashstoria signifies an unwavering dedication to creating an environment that transcends conventional expectations, ushering the entire cannabis journey into a new realm of excellence."
The initiative not only heralds a promising economic boost for the area but also underlines a concerted effort to honor Newark's rich history and culture. By fostering an environment that encourages responsible cannabis exploration, Charlamagne tha God, Raekown, and the team at Hashstoria aim to foster a safe and inclusive space for the community.
What's Next For Hashstoria And The City Of Newark?
As the project gains momentum, the Hashstoria partners remain steadfast in their dedication to upholding the values of equity and community engagement, ushering in a new era of progress and opportunity. With their commitment to ethical business practices and community empowerment, their transformative journey is poised to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of cannabis retail and communal revitalization in New Jersey.
An additional message from Hashstoria notes that the company is seeking community members to join the team. For more information, please email newarkinfo@hashstoria.com.
For more about Hashstoria, visit hashstoria.com.
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Featured image: Wu-Tang Clan's Raekwon the Chef at Trailblazers NY 2022 (C) Sam C. Long / Honeysuckle Media, Inc. @tissuekulture
