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July 10, 2018

Board of Health approves first medical marijuana dispensary

Photo | Zachary Comeau Good Chemistry wants to open in this Canal District location on Harrison Street.

The Worcester Board of Health has approved a license for Good Chemistry’s medical marijuana dispensary in the Canal District, making it the first dispensary to receive city approval. 

The Board of Health’s approval sets the company up for local approvals. Now, it awaits final state approval from the Department of Public Health.

In a statement to WBJ, the Colorado-based company said it is eyeing an open date in early August for its location at 9 Harrison St. 

“The Canal District is a special place,” the company said. “It’s a thriving location with historical roots and holds great promise for the future.”

To begin, the dispensary will serve medical marijuana customers only, but the company said it plans to apply for a license from the Cannabis Control Commission to operate an adult-use dispensary. 

In its statement, Good Chemistry said the adult-use retail license process — which was allowed to begin July 1 — “has been slow and deliberate.” 

The company said it chose Worcester to pursue its first cannabis facilities in the state due to a family connection and firsthand knowledge of the area. 

“We’re excited for the chance to bring our high standards to Worcester, and we look forward to growing our partnership with the community,” the company said.

Worcester said last Friday it is soliciting applications from prospective recreational marijuana shop operators with which it will ultimately negotiate agreements allowing shops to operate under the city's regulatory oversight. The city said it will review applications based on location, capacity to meet city and state license and regulatory requirements, diversity of applicants and community feedback.

The city is required by law to allow up to 15 marijuana shops. Prospective shop owners have until Aug. 24 to provide an application of intent and other details, the city said.

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