Inside Bakin' Bad: The First 100% Black, Veteran-Owned Recreational Dispensary In Atlantic City, New Jersey

It was tough to catch up with Ed Wilson. He works full-time and has a few business ventures between New Jersey and Texas. Wilson has an instinct to serve and give back to his community. He’s an army veteran, currently coaches high school football, and even coached the Little League. That’s why when the state of New Jersey legalized marijuana for recreational use, he jumped on an opportunity he felt was bigger than him.

“I just looked at the history of Atlantic City,” he tells Travel Noire. “When the casinos came here in the 70s, the owners got so many perks, but unfortunately, the community doesn’t benefit from that. There’s nobody who looks like me in charge.”

Growing up in Atlantic City, Wilson witnessed firsthand outsiders coming in and out, profiting from the community without giving back. That’s why he and his co-partners made it their mission to put themselves in a position to open Bakin’ Bad.

Bakin’ Bad is Atlantic City’s and New Jersey’s first 100 percent African American, veteran-owned recreational licensee in any category to be fully approved to open.

“I felt that it should be somebody from the city because sometimes, just being the example allows others to realize that they can do it, especially if they feel there was no possibility before.”

What Makes Bakin’ Bad Unique

Wilson says what makes Bakin’ Bad stand out is that its team comes from an authentic place, and the customer service is unbeatable.

“When customers come in, they interact with down-to-earth and real people,” Wilson says. “We are of the culture and from the culture. Customers understand what’s real and what’s not.”

The dispensary includes flower, pre-rolls, vaporizers, concentrates, edibles, topicals, and more.

Opening The Dispensary Has Opened The Doors To Bring Others Along

As someone always thinking of serving others, Wilson and his co-partners are already working to help more people of color open dispensaries through their nonprofit. It’s a selective process to ensure those chosen are ready to be entrepreneurs.

“You don’t have to have experience with things such as real estate or dealing with investors, but we want to make sure those who apply have a conditional license, can pass the background check, have residency, and the other qualifications listed on the state’s website.”

The nonprofit’s goal is to fine-tune the business plans and push the next Black dispensary owners to the finish line. He’s doing all of this while working on the next phase of his dispensary venture.

“We want to gain traction in this cannabis space. Bakin’ Bad is more than a dispensary; [it’s] also a lifestyle brand.”

He says phase one of the marathon, opening the dispensary, is complete. The next phase is making it profitable.

“We want to make sure we clear any loans and open invoices, so we’re in the green. I have a plan for that. From there, with the profits, we’ll be moving into manufacturing, distribution, and cultivators.”

Of course, he’s not leaving anyone behind. Coaching high school football and coaching others on how to open a dispensary are still priorities.

When asked if mentoring was only for New Jersey residents, Wilson replied, “For now.” It’s safe to say he’s also on a mission to help cultivate the next generation beyond state lines at some point.