Knoxville Welcomes New Hemp Shop, Marble City Vapor
Knoxville is buzzing with excitement after the recent opening of Marble City Vapor at 714 South Gay Street. Launched just a couple of months ago on July 4, this shop marks the third hemp and THCA business to open in the area within the last few years. It’s clear that something special is happening in downtown Knoxville!
Meet the Co-Owner: Hapep Abuzahra
We had the chance to sit down with co-owner Hapep Abuzahra, whose journey is as fascinating as his new business. Born in Palestine, Hapep moved to a small town near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, as an infant. “I’m a true Tennessean,” he beamed, recounting his upbringing in Nashville and his experiences at community college.
His road to entrepreneurship began when he walked into one of his partner Moe Saleh’s Nashville stores and offered to help out. Their shared background—Moe hails from Yemen—allowed them to develop a strong partnership rooted in cultural solidarity. “Yeminis and Palestinians really take care of each other,” he explained.
The Vision for Knoxville
After gaining valuable experience in the business, the duo decided to take the leap and open a store together. “Knoxville has always been a city I’ve wanted to come to,” Hapep noted. His fond memories of family trips to the Smoky Mountains made the vibrant city a dream location for him. “When I saw this spot, I just had to have it!”
However, getting there wasn’t easy. Hapep shared some challenges about finding a location. “We encountered a lot of hesitant landlords. We really had to explain what we sold and convince them of our vision.” Luckily, a visit to Moe’s successful shops in Nashville helped turn the tide.
Addressing the Stigma
One of the biggest hurdles for Hemp-related businesses is the stigma that often surrounds them. “I see it differently,” Hapep said earnestly. “By bringing people into a licensed business, we’re creating a safer environment.” He recounted the harrowing story of a friend who bought street weed laced with fentanyl, which led to a two-week hospitalization. “Not everyone is lucky enough to recover,” he lamented. “I’m here to offer high-quality products at affordable prices, making sure safety comes first.”
Quality and Compliance
Marble City Vapor is committed to providing safe products. They have a hemp license, which will be crucial as the state of Tennessee plans to ramp up regulations later this year. “They’re hiring compliance officers to check that shops provide safe products,” noted Hapep. He also mentioned a new six percent delta tax that could open opportunities for businesses to raise prices, but it’s not something he wants to do.
The Grand Opening and Beyond
The grand opening felt extra special to Hapep as it came right before his 20th birthday on July 13. “I had always wanted to open my own business before I hit twenty, and here I am!” he chuckled, reflecting on how entrepreneurship runs in his family. His parents and uncles worked hard to turn their dreams into reality, moving from being immigrants with little to owning a gas station and even a car dealership.
He proudly mentioned that Marble City Vapor has quickly gained popularity with both locals and tourists. “People really love Knoxville. They fall for the peace and the beauty of the place,” he said, glowing with enthusiasm. “And let me tell you, the locals here are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.”
A Unique Experience
When you step into Marble City Vapor, you’ll be greeted by a stunning reflective floor and vibrant lighting that sets the mood. They offer a wide range of products—from Kratom and nicotine vapes to THCA flowers, pins, and even candles! “We have something for every kind of smoker,” Hapep noted with pride. “Our flower is some of the best quality in East Tennessee!” The source? Direct from Washington, Oregon, and California.
He encourages customers to ask for the COA (Certificate of Analysis) to ensure they are getting quality products. Plus, customers can find full lab reports by scanning QR codes on the items. “I’m really proud to say we have lab-tested products that are free of harmful additives.”
Get Involved!
If you find yourself in downtown Knoxville, make sure to stop by Marble City Vapor. Hapep invites everyone to chat and share suggestions for new items they’d like to see in stock. You might bump into his girlfriend, Lilli Ross, who also helps out at the shop.
The store operates seven days a week, from 9:00 am to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and 1:00 am Friday and Saturday. With special deals on game days and events, Marble City Vapor promises to enhance your downtown experience. So, why not swing by and say hello?
