First Marijuana Shop In Boston, Looks Set To Open Near TD Garden

BOSTON — It looks like Ascend will be Boston's first recreational pot shop, a multi-story flagship store, after the marijuana shop said it received a zoning permit allowing it to start building.

The Ascend Massachusetts flagship store is expected to open in late 2019 on Friend Street near North Station and TD Garden. The Zoning Board of Appeals gave the green light Tuesday. All that's left is the approval from the state’s Cannabis Control Commission, which is still reviewing the company's application.

"Ascend Massachusetts is honored to be chosen as the first company awarded a license for an adult-use retail store by the city of Boston," said Andrea Cabral, CEO of Ascend Massachusetts in a statement. Cabral was the former Suffolk County sheriff and former state secretary of public safety.

"A core value of our company is to positively impact our neighborhoods and communities. We are proud to have the support of leaders and organizations across Boston and Massachusetts in this endeavor," she said.

During the planning phase, Boston community and state leaders such as State Sen. Joseph Boncore, State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, and Boston City Councilors Josh Zakim and Ed Flynn supported the effort.

Ascend chose the Andrus Group, which created stores for Apple, Tesla and Burberry, to manage construction on the project. The company plans to break ground in February.

JOF Enterprise and Leah also submitted applications to the commission.

Related:

• Recreational Marijuana Stores: Where To Expect Them Next
• Massachusetts Gets First Whiff Of Recreational Marijuana

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Image via Ascend