We were lucky to catch up with Aamir Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.
Aamir, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
Smoking Classics is set to make its mark as the newest and most exciting destination for cannabis enthusiasts. Our first location will be located on Elizabeth Avenue in Newark, NJ. This groundbreaking cannabis dispensary promises to redefine the way Newark experiences cannabis. With over 26,000 square feet of meticulously designed space, Smoking Classics is poised to become a cornerstone of the Newark community, offering an innovative, immersive, and educational space.
Owned and operated by 3 New Jersey natives – 2 from Newark and 1 from Orange, NJ. Smoking Classics is a testament to our dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to our hometown. We have deep roots in Newark, having grown up here and built successful businesses over the years. Our journey to establish Smoking Classics has been marked by hard work, determination, and a profound desire to contribute to the city’s growth.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Smoking Classics is a one-of-a-kind cannabis dispensary that combines the thrill of classic cars with the nostalgia of music, art, and pop- culture. Our commitment to our passion extends BEYOND the cannabis industry. Smoking Classics is Newark’s premier dispensary, dedicated to providing an exceptional cannabis experience that combines top-quality products, education, and community engagement. With over 26,000 square feet of space, Smoking Classics is set to become a hub for cannabis enthusiasts and newcomers alike in Newark, NJ.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Managing a team and keeping morale high is all about balance and authenticity. Communicate clearly—no one likes being left in the dark, so set expectations and check in regularly without micromanaging. Lead by example; if you bring the energy, the hustle, and the right attitude, your team will follow. Show love when it’s due—shout out wins, big or small, and make people feel seen and appreciated. Encourage collaboration and make space for everyone’s voice at the table; a team that vibes together thrives together. Be the kind of leader who’s approachable and open to feedback—your team should feel comfortable coming to you with ideas or issues. Keep it fresh by investing in their growth—train them up, mentor them, and let them level up. And don’t forget to keep things balanced; respect their need for downtime and celebrate wins to keep the momentum alive. A motivated, happy team will always deliver their best.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Growing up in the 90s, my earliest memories of learning about drugs came through the well-meaning but fear-driven programs like D.A.R.E. Assemblies were held in school gyms where officers with stern faces warned us about the dangers of substances, especially marijuana. It was painted as the “gateway drug,” a one-way ticket to a life of addiction and despair. I can still recall the images of derailed lives flashed across the screen, reinforcing a narrative of fear.
At the time, I believed it all. Why wouldn’t I? Teachers, parents, and authority figures all reinforced the same message. “Marijuana was bad'”.
Fast forward a couple of decades, and life started showing me the gaps in that narrative. A family member, battling chronic pain, found relief in cannabis after years of ineffective and harmful pharmaceuticals. A friend struggling with anxiety found solace in its calming effects. Even then, the stigma still loomed over me like a cloud.
The tipping point came when I started doing my own research, peeling back the layers of misinformation. What I discovered was a history of intentional demonization, racial bias, and political agendas tied to cannabis prohibition. Meanwhile, the science painted a very different picture—one of medicinal benefits, economic opportunities, and a pathway to wellness that had been hidden from us for generations.
It took unlearning the fear-based lessons of my childhood and replacing them with facts and firsthand experiences to see cannabis for what it really is: a versatile plant with profound potential.
Today, I’m proud to say I’ve taken that journey full circle, not just as an advocate but as an entrepreneur. Opening my own dispensary has been more than just a business venture; it’s been a mission to help others unlearn the stigma that was forced on us. I’ve seen customers find relief, empowerment, and even joy through cannabis.
Looking back, it’s ironic. The very thing we were told would destroy lives has become a way for me to build something meaningful—not just for myself, but for my community. We’ve transformed a narrative of fear into one of healing, education, and opportunity.
If I’ve learned anything through this journey, it’s that unlearning is just as important as learning. And for those still carrying the weight of those outdated ideas, I hope my story can be a small spark of inspiration to question, explore, and ultimately elevate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.smokingclassics.com/
- Instagram: @smokingclassicsinc
- Facebook: Smoking Classics