AMHERST — Two more companies interested in selling recreational marijuana, from University Drive and Amity Street locations, will hold mandated community outreach meetings this month.
MassMedicum Corp. is inviting the public to a session on Oct. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. while Herbology Group Inc. is seeking feedback at a session on Oct. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. Both meetings will take place at the Hangar Pub and Grill at 10 University Drive.
MassMedicum, of Easton, plans to locate in a new building at 85 University Drive. The company previously signed a host community agreement and received a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals for a medical marijuana dispensary at the same site, though that business has yet to open.
Herbology, of Pittsfield, intends to locate at the longtime site of Rafter’s Sports Bar and Restaurant. Herbology has a purchase-and-sale agreement for the property and received a letter of non-opposition from the Select Board over the summer for its business, which would have both recreational and medical marijuana.
During the meetings, representatives from the companies will explain how they will maintain secure buildings, prevent minors from obtaining their products, be a positive impact on the community and not be nuisances.
The community outreach meetings are required by the state prior to applying for a recreational marijuana license.
Economic Development Director Geoff Kravitz said one more company could be scheduling a community outreach meeting in the near future.
Earlier this fall, 365 Recreational Cannabis, which plans to locate at a former yoga studio and juice bar at 37-39 Boltwood Walk, RISE Holdings Inc., which has the first medical marijuana dispensary at 169 Meadow St., and Mass Alternative Care, which is aiming to open at 55 University Drive, had outreach meetings related to their proposals.
Kravitz said after each meeting, which brought about 20 residents and town staff, the applicants are invited to meet with a group that will provide advice to Town Manager Paul Bockelman about which companies would be welcome to open for business.
“We’re hoping to have recommendations to the town manager by the end of the month and move as quickly as possible while being thoughtful and safe,” Kravitz said.
Up to eight recreational marijuana dispensaries are allowed in town, a cap imposed by Town Meeting.
Bockelman will decide which ones to sign host community agreements with, allowing the companies to then apply to the state’s Cannabis Control Commission for approval, before filing applications for local permitting.
Kravitz said even if companies move as fast as possible, the first recreational marijuana store is unlikely to open in Amherst until January or February.
