by Sonia Ahmed The New Haven independent
Woog and Fon stopped by East Street on their motorcycle road trip from Washington, D.C. Thursday to smoke a joint — and join a block party hosted by the neighborhood’s new cannabis dispensary.
Those two men — who asked to be identified only as Woog and Fon for this article — stood outside Chief Wifey’s food truck, which was one of many vendors brought to the Mill River block for a community event called Lit Lot, hosted by Kebra Smith-Bolden’s LIT Dispensary.
Smith-Bolden opened that legal adult-use cannabis dispensary in May. Thursday’s event, which was from 5 p.m to 9 p.m., had a live DJ and various vendors selling books, desserts, t‑shirts, and more. Lit Lot will take place on the second Thursday of each month.
Woog and Fon, who had arrived via motorcycle, told the Independent during an interview Thursday that they had stopped by after one of the block party’s organizers encouraged them to come in. They’re both from D.C. and said they were taking a long road trip, and had already visited New York and New Jersey.
Fon got a book from one of the vendors, as well as cake from another, before taking a look at Lit dispensary’s selection.
Woog said they had a good selection, but he was more partial to weed from his home city because he feels it’s stronger. He added that he enjoys smoking because it relaxes him and calms his nerves.
Rocky Rose, one of the Lit Lot vendors Fon had stopped by, sold college Greek Life-themed erotic books that she had written, like Initiation and The Freak in Me, during Thursday’s fest. “I like to push the envelope a little,” she said.
Rose said she used to work for the Inner-City News. She also sold non-erotic books, like Unstoppable Me, which Rose described as a 90-day journal targeted towards teenage girls to help them develop their confidence and self-love. Rose said she wants to “remind young girls that they matter.”
Julise Penn was another vendor at the event, selling various baked goods. Her stall, called J. La Nay, touted Dunk-a-roos — cookies that are dunked in frosting — and cake pops, and more. Penn, who works at Yale, said that this event was a good fit for her business.
Charice Darby was selling shirts, tumblers, holsters, and more at her “Charice’s Creation” stall. Darby said she started her business during the pandemic, as being a nurse during that time made her sad. The business, which was originally conducted on her front porch, was doing well, and she decided to continue. “I love being part of this community,” she remarked.
Smith-Bolden said she organized Thursday event to help small businesses, and also get some support for her dispensary. “This is a community effort,” she said.
Smith-Bolden also plans to have events such as yoga and karaoke throughout July. She said her most popular products are cannabis flower, and the most popular brand is Affinity Grow.
For those who don’t smoke, LIT also sells merch like t‑shirts and crewnecks, Smith-Bolden added. “This is a worthy cause to support,” she said about Thursday’s party.
Essence Little was shopping at the various vendors when interviewed by the Independent. Little said she doesn’t smoke much, but had found out about the event through her friend that works at the dispensary. She had bought some pre-rolled joints and was excited to try them. The customer service at LIT, she added, was great, and she’d stop by again.
Rocky Rose selling her books.
Julise Penn selling her desserts.
Charice Darby selling t-shirts and tumblers.
Essence Little entering the dispensary.
Inside of LIT New Haven.
Merch sold at LIT.