Final Licenses Approved for Four Marijuana Establishments in Massachusetts

BOSTON—The Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) voted Thursday to approve final licenses for four Marijuana Establishments in Massachusetts as part of its mission to safely, equitably, and effectively implement the adult-use cannabis industry.

Cultivate Holdings, LLC received Commission approval to conduct cultivation, product manufacturing, and retail operations in Leicester. New England Treatment Access, LLC received Commission approval to conduct retail operations in Northampton.

The final licenses were granted based on recommendations from Commission staff who thoroughly reviewed each application and related materials and completed inspections on site.

To achieve final licensure, applicants that receive provisional approval must demonstrate during inspection that they comply with the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth, meet certain conditions, and pay the required licensing fee.

Prior to opening, licensees must become established in the Commission’s mandatory seed-to-sale tracking system, pass an additional inspection, and satisfy final conditions. For example, Registered Marijuana Dispensaries (RMDs) that choose to pursue a Marijuana Establishment license and colocate medical and adult-use cannabis operations may need to submit a waiver request to the Department of Public Health. The Commission’s regulations require colocated retailers to reserve 35 percent of their products for patients.

As part of the licensing process, all applicants are subject to a background check by Creative Services, Inc. and their host municipality must confirm to the Commission that the proposed establishment complies with local zoning and bylaws.

To date, the Commission has approved provisional licenses for 41 additional applicants that have submitted the required packets, which include the Application of Intent, Background Check, Management and Operations Profile, and application payment packets.