On April 10, 2025, legendary musician and actor Ice-T and cannabis industry leader and entrepreneur Charis Burrett officially opened the doors to The Medicine Woman Jersey City, bringing their mission-driven cannabis brand to the East Coast for the first time. Located at 660 Tonnelle Avenue in Jersey City, the 10,000-square-foot dispensary blends modern retail with social impact, featuring everything from curated cannabis offerings and EV charging stations to future plans for on-site consumption and manufacturing. The grand opening celebration is set for April 19, followed by a 4/20 community event that promises live music, local vendors, celebrity guests, and Ice-T himself curating the vibes in signature style.
Ice-T has spent decades building a name for himself in music, film, and television. Now, he’s bringing that same authenticity and drive to the cannabis industry with the opening of The Medicine Woman in Jersey City—his first dispensary in his home state of New Jersey. Partnering with cannabis entrepreneur Charis Burrett, the new flagship location marks a bold East Coast expansion for the California-born brand and a mission-driven step toward community empowerment. In partnership with Hudson County Community College (HCCC), The Medicine Woman will also offer students hands-on experience, internships, and direct job placement within the cannabis sector.
We sat down with Ice-T and Charis to discuss their vision, the challenges they faced opening the store, and what’s next for The Medicine Woman.
Q&A with Ice-T, Co-Owner, The Medicine Woman Jersey City
Cannabis & Tech Today: What does it mean to you personally to open The Medicine Woman in your home state of New Jersey?
Ice-T: Opening The Medicine Woman in my home state of New Jersey is very personal to me. This is more than a business—it’s about giving back to a community that shaped who I am. New Jersey is where I grew up, where my journey began, and now, it’s where I get to bring something truly meaningful.
C&T Today: More than selling cannabis, you’ve said this project is about correcting injustice. Can you share more about that vision?
Ice-T: This project is about much more than selling cannabis. It’s about addressing the systemic injustices that have been tied to this plant for decades. Communities—especially Black and Brown ones—have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. People have faced incarceration, broken families, and lost opportunities over something that’s now being legalized and monetized. That’s not right, and it’s a responsibility I take seriously.
C&T Today: What role do you see cannabis playing in rebuilding and empowering communities?
Ice-T: Whether it’s through job creation, partnering with minority-owned businesses, or giving back to organizations fighting for social justice, we’re committed to making this industry more fair and accessible. We’ve partnered with the Last Prisoner Project and hired exclusively from the local community. We want to create opportunities.
C&T Today: The grand opening weekend is coming up—what can people expect from the celebration?
Ice-T: I’m creating the entire vibe and curating the whole event in true Ice-T style. I’m bringing major NJ energy and I hope everyone comes out to experience it. We’re going to have music, food, giveaways, gift bags, entertainment. I’ll be there with Coco meeting the people. It’s going to be a great time. We’re doing an official ribbon cutting and I’m bringing out some special friends.
C&T Today: As someone who’s seen multiple industries evolve, what excites you most about the cannabis space today?
Ice-T: What’s unique about cannabis is its ability to touch so many areas—health, wellness, culture, and even social justice. It’s exciting to see how this plant, which has been misunderstood and criminalized for so long, is now being embraced for its healing properties and its ability to bring people together.
C&T Today: What do you want customers to feel when they walk into The Medicine Woman for the first time?
Ice-T: Ultimately, I want people to leave feeling educated, empowered, and excited—not just about the products they’re purchasing, but about the community and culture we’re building together. We’ve got a dope memorabilia wall I created from my personal collection. Each item represents a piece of history, culture, or personal significance. It’s a personal touch I hope our customers will appreciate.
C&T Today: Are you planning to stay involved with future locations or expansions?
Ice-T: Yes. The idea is to open many Medicine Woman dispensaries.
Q&A with Charis Burrett, Co-Founder, The Medicine Woman
C&T Today: What inspired you to bring The Medicine Woman to Jersey City, and why was now the right time?
Charis Burrett: We’ve always wanted to expand The Medicine Woman to offer plant medicine to more communities. My husband Luke and I have been friends with Ice-T and Coco for decades, so when Ice approached us about being one of the first in NJ to open a dispensary, we knew the timing was right. The East Coast is a huge market with a lot of growth potential, and Ice is deeply rooted in the community. But I’ll be honest—none of us anticipated how hard it would be. It took three years of red tape and complications to get to opening day.
C&T Today: The brand started as a nonprofit delivery service in California. How has your mission evolved?
Burrett: We started in 2015 with a nonprofit delivery model, and our mission has always been “Nothing but the Best.” That means high-quality, plant-based products for those who need them most, and education for those curious about cannabis. We opened a legal dispensary in Bellflower, CA, and now we’re thrilled to expand to NJ—with our eyes on the whole East Coast.
C&T Today: What were some of the biggest challenges in launching this flagship location?
Burrett: I could write a novel about this. Opening a dispensary is like opening a pharmacy and a bank under one roof—except the bank isn’t federally protected and the government still wants its taxes. Add in constant surveillance and an avalanche of regulations—it’s a heavy lift.
C&T Today: You’ve said the East Coast could become the largest cannabis market in the world. How does The Medicine Woman fit into that vision?
Burrett: The East Coast’s diverse consumer base aligns perfectly with our holistic approach to cannabis. We celebrate wellness, community, and inclusivity. We prioritize thoughtfully curated products, support local charities, and collaborate with like-minded brands. Our goal isn’t just to be in the market—we want to shape it. The Medicine Woman is a space for learning, healing, and connection. No judgment, no silly questions—just guidance and support.
C&T Today: How do you curate products that meet your “Nothing but the Best” standard?
Burrett: Affordability and variety are key. People experience cannabis differently, so we offer a wide range of safe, lab-tested options. We want people to know that what they’re buying is both effective and trustworthy. “Nothing but the Best” means what’s best for you.
C&T Today: You’ve prioritized local hiring—how did you approach staffing this location?
Burrett: Hiring from the local community is part of our foundation. Nobody knows a community like the people who live in it. That’s been our approach in Bellflower and now in Jersey City. We’re proud to have staffed both shops with people who understand and reflect the communities they serve.
A New Chapter for Jersey City
The new 10,000-square-foot dispensary at 660 Tonnelle Avenue is more than a retail space—it’s a cultural hub with future plans for consumption lounges and manufacturing. Complete with EV charging stations and a dedicated workforce of 15 local hires, The Medicine Woman is staking a claim in the rapidly expanding East Coast market.
The grand opening celebration on April 19th will feature an official ribbon cutting, celebrity appearances, live music, and a follow-up 4/20 event blending cannabis culture and community spirit.
As Ice-T said, “It’s about creating opportunity and correcting injustice in communities that were hit hardest.” With a mission rooted in education, access, and equity, The Medicine Woman is poised to set a new standard for dispensaries on the East Coast.
