Wu-Tang Clan rapper Raekwon The Chef’s plan to open a dual cannabis dispensary and consumption lounge has been approved.
After the Newark Central Planning Board failed to endorse the application filed by Hashstoria, (the Oregon-based cannabis franchise who backed rapper), board members have reversed course. During a July 24 meeting, the members voted to grant conditional use approval for Hashstoria to “operate a Class 5 cannabis retail facility” at 799-805 Broad St.
While the legendary rapper may have roots in Staten Island, Newark has been good to the Grammy-nominated music group. The Hulu biopic, “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” has scenes filmed in Newark, and now Raekwon is returning to open, Hashstoria.
Per the website, Hashstoria “is dedicated to elevating the cannabis industry.”
“We believe in the healing and transformative power of the cannabis plant and is committed to fostering connections and building communities through their products and brand,” the website states.
The lounge will feature an entirely new brick exterior and unique windows to showcase artwork from the community on an original 1900s building.
Rachael Grochowski, principal at Montclair-based RHG Architecture+Design shared, “Our partnership with Hashstoria, founded by a collaboration of iconic rapper Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan, the passionate civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers and radio, tv personality and mental health advocate Charlamagne tha God, and others, is an intentional effort to bring forth a cannabis retail dispensary and consumption lounge that not only respects Newark’s heritage but also reflects a commitment to social justice, expungement, mental health, and creativity.”
The cannabis lounge is another addition to Raekwon’s business ventures. He recently became a major investor in CitizenGrown — a startup that pays people to grow weed in their own homes. He also had a cannabis strain under Chris Webber’s brand Players Only.