Adam Jackson
Actor and musician Ice T is opening a recreational dispensary with Charis Burrett, founder of The Medicine Woman, in Jersey City, New Jersey after the city board granted approval for the shop.
The approval came from the Jersey City Cannabis Control Board, which establishes and enforces the rules and regulations governing the licensing, cultivation, testing and selling of the plant. The shop will be named The Medicine Woman Jersey City and will include 5,000 square feet of retail space.
“I’ve dedicated my life and career to giving back and paving the way for minorities,” Ice T, whose real name is Tracey Lauren Marrow, said in a statement. “As a New Jersey native, I’m excited for the opportunity legalization offers our community, and I look forward to ushering in a new era for Cannabis in the state.”
Marrow was born in Newark New Jersey and as a child moved to the tonier town of Summit. He lost both of his parents as a child and went to live with an aunt in California. He has come full circle with cannabis. As a teen he initially did not consume any drugs or alcohol but did end up selling cannabis to support a then-pregnant girlfriend, before eventually joining the army. Following his army stint, he became a bank robber but left his life of crime to focus on breaking into the entertainment industry.
Black people in New Jersey are three times more likely to be charged with pot possession than white counterparts, and The Medicine Woman Jersey City said it is committed to sourcing staff from the local community – partnering with several local organizations include The Last Prisoner Project, Jersey City Mural and Arts Program, Jersey City Employment and Training Program, Hudson County Community College, with more to be announced.
Founded in 2015 by Burrett, and her husband, Luke Burrett, The Medicine Woman started out as a California non-profit delivery service.
“Giving back to our community has and will always be a priority to us,” said Burrett. “We are passionately devoted to providing access to safe, affordable and quality plant medicinal remedies.”
The Medicine Woman Jersey City is slated to open around Fall this year and is currently accepting applications for employment for a variety of positions. To apply, send a resume to HR@themedwoman.com. The shop is committed to sourcing a local workforce with a focus on providing opportunities for former cannabis offenders, the release said.
