Stamford Zoning Board Approves City's 2nd Hybrid Cannabis Dispensary

STAMFORD, CT — Following the Stamford Zoning Board's approval this week, the city will soon have another cannabis dispensary that will offer adult recreational sales.

The board voted 3-2 on Monday to approve the change of use at the Curaleaf medical dispensary already open at 814 E. Main St., to hybrid use, meaning it can now offer products to both medical patients and those 21 and over.

It's unclear yet when exactly Curaleaf will begin retail sales in Stamford.

" Our team is ready and excited to serve Connecticut’s growing cannabis community. Because the cannabis experience is so unique to each individual, the dedicated staff in Stamford is ready to work our customers to curate their own one-of-a-kind experience with the plant. Curaleaf has been serving the Connecticut medical market since 2016 and we look forward to starting our adult use sales very soon," said Luke Flood, Curaleaf's vice president of real estate, in an emailed statement to Patch.

Flood said Curaleaf will add new point-of-sale terminals and will make some adjustments to the floor layout "for a smoother customer flow."

Medical patients will be given priority access through a separate entrance, experience quicker check-ins with a dedicated staff, and will have a separate line for check-out, Flood added.

"They will also continue to have access to our Compassionate Care Plan, patient consult rooms and our outstanding pharmacy team in addition to exclusive access to high THC edibles," Flood said. "Curaleaf is an industry leader which has successfully transitioned from medical to adult use markets across several markets in the U.S. including New Jersey, Illinois and Massachusetts."

Retail adult cannabis sales in Connecticut began on Jan. 10 at seven dispensaries across the state, including Fine Fettle, a hybrid dispensary at 12 Research Drive in the Glenbrook section of Stamford.

The East Main Street dispensary has been open since 2019, and has operated under Curaleaf since 2020, said Meaghan Miles, attorney for the tenant, in a previous zoning meeting on the change of use earlier this month.

During that meeting, Miles touted the company's standing in the cannabis industry, saying they're a global leader.

"They are the world's largest cannabis company by revenue," Miles said, noting they have 142 storefronts across 16 states in the country. There are Curaleaf dispensaries in Milford, Groton and Hartford. Miles said Manchester recently approved a location.

"Their mission is to provide patients and customers with quality cannabis for health and wellness," Miles added. "The conversion [of use] is a natural fit. It's a well-established location, a well-established retailer and there's really major benefits to Stamford for permitting hybrid retailers."

While discussing the change of use over the past few weeks, Zoning Board members expressed concerns about added traffic in the area. A traffic study was conducted by SLR Consulting, which found "no adverse impacts."

David Sullivan, a representative from SLR, said there are multiple points of access and egress to the parking lot. Members did not have concerns with parking — there are 94 parking spots at the site.

Still on Monday night, board member Gerry Bosak said he wasn't comfortable voting yes on the change of use because of the density already in the area and potential for traffic nightmares.

"I'm just not comfortable saturating that area. I think it's confirmed it's a great medical use, but as an adult use or recreational use, i'm not in favor," he said.

Fellow board member Racquel Smith-Anderson agreed, saying she wanted a more up-to-date traffic study.

Bosak and Smith-Anderson voted against. Chair David Stein and members Rosanne McManus and William Morris voted in favor.

Morris said he doesn't believe traffic will be a long term issue past the opening week. McManus said she visited Fine Fettle to check on traffic recently, and half the parking lot was empty.

The board imposed several conditions with the approval.

Hours will be from 10 a.m., to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m., to 7 p.m., on Sunday.

Two police officers will be hired for the first two weeks after retail sales begin to manage potential traffic impacts. If the city's transportation, traffic and parking division determines there are significant levels of traffic fom the site, police presence will be extended.

Additionally, Curaleaf will hire two private security guards during the first four weeks to keep tabs on traffic and customers.

Curaleaf will also have to submit a revised traffic study using data collected approximately 30 days after opening. The scope will cover all intersections within 650 feet of the facility. If the study shows significant impacts to the roadway network, Curaleaf will be responsible for the cost of mitigation measures determined by the city.

"I believe with the right conditions this application works. While there may be some initial congestion, it will die down particularly when we have two of these dispensaries open and customers can be spread out between the two of them," Stein said.