5 Boston Places Edging Closer To Selling Recreational Marijuana

BOSTON, MA — Five registered marijuana dispensaries are closer to selling recreational pot in Boston, after the regulatory body agreed to prioritize 20 applicants across the state, Tuesday.

Cannabis Control Commission officials said at least five marijuana dispensaries in Boston already registered (RMDs) will be able to apply for a recreational marijuana business license in about a week.

The commission, after a vote Tuesday, said it would allow the companies approved to do so to submit priority applications on Tuesday, April 17. But lest you think it's going to be pot shop city by the end of April, think again: The commission can't issue an actual licence until June. So until then it's more like application and review city.

Read the full take: The 20 MA Businesses Where You Could Be Getting Your Stash

Commission Chairman Steven Hoffman told Statehouse News service that the window to submit an application to get priority review is open til end of day Sunday for those who are already registered marijuana dispensaries and those eligible through the commission's economic empowerment program, which is intended to assist people disproportionately affected by marijuana prohibition.

Commissioner Shaleen Title tweeted Tuesday that "there is no benefit whatsoever to being approved today as opposed to at our next meeting."

Businesses approved now for priority review will not necessarily be the first businesses to be licensed.

"All this means is that they have the ability to jump to the front of the queue when they're applying, if they receive their certification," said Hoffman. "Those applicants that get priority certification but are in cities that have, let's say, a moratorium in place, they can't apply. But when and if that moratorium is lifted and they can apply and satisfy all the municipal requirements, they'll jump to the front of the queue."

The commission is scheduled to meet next Tuesday to consider additional priority applicants, and Executive Director Shawn Collins said it's possible the commission may schedule multiple meetings in order to get through all the applications.

The 5 Boston businesses approved for expedited application reviews so far:

1. Trichome Health Corp., 2 Seaport Lane, Boston
2. Holistic Industries, Inc., 24 School St., Boston
3. GTI-Massachusetts NP Corporation, 2 Seaport Lane, Boston
4. Good Chemistry of Massachusetts, Inc., 50 Congress St., Boston
5. Olde World Remedies, Inc., One Longfellow Pl., Boston

"Next week is shaping up to be a busy week for the commission, as every week has been," said Collins.

Read the full take: 20 MA Businesses You Could Be Getting Your Stash At

Material from State House News Service was used in this article.

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