A New Jersey cannabis store co-owned by actor and rapper Ice-T and a former Playboy playmate abruptly closed earlier this month, less than a year after a highly publicized launch.
The failure of The Medicine Woman in Jersey City has sparked legal action, with the shop’s landlord filing a breach of contract lawsuit alleging unpaid bills, according to Jersey Digs.
Regulatory challenges blamed for cannabis shop closure
Celebrity-owned cannabis brands have had mixed results. Hashtoria, a Newark marijuana store co-owned by Wu-Tang Clan rapper Raekwon, has also closed, according to The Bergen Record.
And Ice-T’s foray into cannabis retail may have been a poor fit, with the-then 67-year-old telling Forbes last year that he doesn’t use cannabis.
In a statement to NJ Advance Media, The Medicine Woman attributed its closure to regulatory challenges in New Jersey, where sales were on pace to eclipse $1.3 billion in 2025 after surging growth in both retailers and sales.
“Despite significant investment, compliance and readiness to launch, the lack of local oversight and regulatory infrastructure undermined our ability to grow and sustain operations,” the statement said.
The Medicine Woman’s April 2025 grand opening was attended by Ice-T, his wife Coco, Treach from Naughty by Nature and actor Taylor Kinney, known for his role on “Chicago Fire,” who is also an investor, according to reports.
The 5,000-square-foot facility was the second location for The Medicine Woman, following a flagship store in Bellflower, California that’s still operational.
Lawsuit alleges Ice-T’s cannabis store didn’t pay its rent before closing
The business ceased operations shortly after the new year, and the property owner filed a lawsuit against The Medicine Woman and co-owner Charis Burrett, alleging breach of contract.
Ice-T, whose given name is Tracy Marrow, is not named as a defendant in the case.
The lawsuit claims The Medicine Woman signed a 10-year lease in June 2024 but defaulted on rent payments starting in December 2025.
The suit also alleges unpaid bills totaling $63,597 and a $51,392 mechanic’s lien filed by Eyeson Digital Surveillance & Management, with the landlord claiming The Medicine Woman is responsible for the lien under the lease agreement.
Celebrity cannabis is struggling in New Jersey
It’s the second lawsuit filed in New Jersey against a cannabis business connected to a celebrity since September, when former Paterson Mayor Joey Torres sued a company fronted by Whoopi Goldberg over unpaid back rent.
WhoopFam claims Torres’ team misled it when they claimed the property was properly zoned and approved for a cannabis business.
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