Business & Tech

Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon Plans To Open Cannabis Lounge In Newark

Hashstoria, which is co-founded by the famed rapper, plans to open a dispensary and consumption lounge in New Jersey's largest city.

A company co-founded by Raekwon, a member of hip hop group Wu Tang Clan, is planning to bring a cannabis dispensary and consumption lounge to Newark, New Jersey.
A company co-founded by Raekwon, a member of hip hop group Wu Tang Clan, is planning to bring a cannabis dispensary and consumption lounge to Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Essence)

NEWARK, NJ — A founding member of the iconic hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan is planning to bring a cannabis dispensary and consumption lounge to New Jersey’s largest city.

Hashstoria – which has three locations in Oregon – is planning to expand to a fourth spot at 799-805 Broad Street in Newark. One of its co-founders is Raekwon, a well-known rapper who rose to fame with the Wu-Tang Clan.

The opening date isn’t known, although the company says its Newark location is “coming soon 2023” on its website.

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The city’s Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission approved Hashstoria’s application to renovate the outside facade of the historic building last week; the architect, Rachael Grochowski, still has to appear before the commission once more to have its signage approved before the renovations can begin, Jersey Digs reported.

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, which regulates cannabis on a state level, recently unveiled a set of proposed laws for weed lounges, otherwise known as “consumption areas.” All patrons must be 21 or older — the state's legal age for recreational use.

Find out what's happening in Newarkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The commission is accepting public comment on the proposed rules until March 18. It will begin accepting applications for consumption areas afterwards.

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