According to NJ.com, Newark’s Central Planning Board denied Raekwon’s application to open his Hashstoria shop on Monday night (March 27). The board rejected the Wu-Tang Clan member’s efforts to open the lounge in Newark’s Four Corners Historic District despite the approval of the Landmark and Historic Preservation Commission.
Raekwon co-founded Hashstoria, which launched three locations in Oregon. He aimed to bring his cannabis venture to New Jersey before facing blowback from church elders in Newark.
“I pray that you will put this somewhere else, not in the heart of Newark,” Rev. Doris Glaspy said at Monday’s board meeting. “We’re not against people smoking marijuana if they want to. But they can put it somewhere else.”