Radio industry power couple Steve Kingston and Pattie Steele are opening a music-themed cannabis dispensary in New Jersey. The Kush Connection, named after the family name Kushner – and a nod to the slang word for quality marijuana – has early 2024 slotted as its opening date and will feature locally sourced products.
“We are excited to bring Kush Connection to Montclair and provide our customers with access to high-quality cannabis products while celebrating what makes Montclair so amazing,” Steele told NJ Biz.
Steele has been a morning host in New York City for decades, most recently working with Scott Shannon at Audacy classic hits WCBS-FM, before Shannon discontinued the show last year.
Kingston’s radio programming prowess is well documented from his time at New York’s “Z100” and the former “K-Rock” to his more recent stint as owner of WRNR Annapolis, which he recently sold to Educational Media Foundation.
“Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can feel comfortable and confident in their purchases,” Kingston said. “To make this a retail destination that celebrates our love for music, art, and the community.”
Their son Jake Kushner is also part of the new family business, which has received conditional approval from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission and a resolution of support from the Montclair Township Council, where the dispensary will be located.
“As soon as we have our zoning approval from Montclair and our buildout is completed, we’ll have the CRC do their final inspection and then we’ll be allowed to open,” Kushner explained. “When I brought this idea to my family’s attention, they each agreed we had an opportunity to build something special together in our hometown. It’s been a team effort ever since and it’s worked out well for us.”