He’s looking to foster economic growth in the city!
Rapper and actor Ice-T recently teamed up with entrepreneur Charis Burrett to open a new cannabis dispensary in Jersey City, New Jersey, ROI-NJ reports. The Medicine Woman is a California-based nonprofit founded in 2019 that sells high-quality cannabis products with a brand centered around social responsibility. Now, Ice-T has brought the brand to the East Coast, marking its first expansion effort.
Ice-T sat down with Forbes to discuss his journey into the cannabis dispensary. Growing up, he didn’t do drugs or drink alcohol, but at 67 years old, he’s seen the climate around marijuana change and the resulting $ 1 billion in sales it made New Jersey in 2024. The first franchise with The Medicine Woman has been five years in the making, but it’s something the Law & Order: SVU actor said has been well worth it.
“At the end of the day, I knew that it was a great business opportunity. As time went on, it became clear to me that this was a new wave—and it was something I wanted to get involved in,” he told reporters.
The result is the new 10,000-square-foot facility, which features retail space, executive offices, and plans for an on-site cannabis consumption area and manufacturing space. The brand focuses on giving back to the community by advocating for incarcerated individuals who have been convicted of nonviolent cannabis offenses through a partnership with the “Last Prisoner Project.” Ice-T plans to continue this work, already committed to employing 15 local hires and developing a partnership with Hudson County Community College to offer internships and job placement opportunities for students.
“This isn’t just about selling cannabis: it’s about creating opportunity and correcting injustice in communities that were hit hardest. I brought in my partner, T, from Naughty by Nature… We’ve got a whole bunch of co-signers—Redman, a lot of people from Jersey have jumped on board with us. My buddy Mickey from the Bronx,” Ice-T explained.
The new Medicine Woman dispensary is located at 660 Tonnelle Ave. Jersey City, NJ. A grand opening is set for April 19th-20th, featuring local vendors, live entertainment, celebrity guests, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Cover photo: Ice-T Opens New Cannabis Dispensary, Offering Internships & Jobs for Students & Returning Citizens/Photo credit: Cindy Ord/NBC