Disabled Veteran Opens Marijuana Dispensary In Kingston
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – A new marijuana dispensary is all set to open in Kingston.
Citi Roots, a new licensed adult-use marijuana dispensary will be opening on Route 27 in Kingston. A soft opening was held on Thursday.
The business is founded by Ahmad Azmi, a disabled Army veteran who served in Afghanistan.
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After serving for eight years, Azmi returned with injuries.
“I got hurt in Afghanistan. I was going through a lot of pain when I got back. I’ve had multiple injuries – on my knee, my back, and my neck. I also started getting PTSD and stuff,’ Azmi told Patch.
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“After I started going to the veteran doctors I began learning a lot about cannabis.”
While researching cannabis, Azmi met fellow veterans and learned how marijuana helped them with pain, PTSD and other issues. That kickstarted the process of opening a marijuana dispensary in New Jersey.
A resident of South Brunswick, Azmi wanted to open a dispensary that could serve local communities.
“I’m just very familiar with the Princeton, South Brunswick area. I grew up here, and a lot of my family went to Princeton University. Also, there’s nothing really close by within like a 20-minute radius, besides Lawrenceville or New Brunswick. So, Kingston was just a sweet spot. If I could do it all over again, it would still be Kingston,” Azmi said.
And the process of starting his business in Kingston proved to be pretty seamless.
“I know some people who have been trying for two years, or three years. But for me, the entire process from start to finish took about six to eight months,” Azmi said.
However, for a Muslim to start a marijuana dispensary is quite unheard of since the community views cannabis with skepticism.
“Being of South Asian descent, I know of the taboos surrounding cannabis because I grew up with the same mentality. But after my injuries, I saw firsthand how cannabis has helped multiple people, including myself. So, those who know me from the Muslim community know that this business comes with medical benefits,” Azmi said.
A successful businessman, this isn’t the first venture for Azmi. But this one comes with a mission.
Citi Roots is offering a 20 percent discount for veterans and also offers a delivery service for former servicemen who are unable to move due to pain and PTSD.
“I made a pledge to send certain percentage of my profits into the Wounded Warrior Project, and other disabled veteran programs as well,” Azmi said.
“I’m already active in the Wounded Warrior Project and part of Helmets to Hardhats. So, it’s just a little way to give back.”
Citi Roots will celebrate its grand opening on Monday, June 24 at 9 p.m. They are located at 4585 Route 27, Kingston, NJ 08528.
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