EASTHAMPTON — Just a few years ago, the word “marijuana” was banned from smoke shops — establishments that sell pipes, vaporizers and rolling papers.
A bong was legally considered drug paraphernalia, and patrons had to ask for a water pipe instead. All smoking products were said to be for tobacco use.
But since the legalization of medical marijuana in 2012 and recreational pot last November, the talk has become a lot more open, according to Nicole McCorkindale, co-owner of Head Eaze, a smoke shop that recently relocated to Easthampton’s Union Street from North Adams. She said there are more in-depth conversations about products in the shop since Election Day.
Head Eaze, 49 Union St., opened in January and sells a variety of pipes, clothing and festival gear.
Because of the new law, the shop’s owners and its customers no longer talk in code about what they plan to put in these pipes and related products. While customers can’t buy marijuana at the shop yet, the mystery behind the trade is evaporating given that it is now legal for adults to possess pot without a medical certification.
The shop’s owners, McCorkindale and Justin Bergeron, aim to capitalize on the change. The partners said they plan to one day have a section of the store for growing marijuana such as grow lights, carbon filters, fans and nutrients.
McCorkindale and Bergeron operated their business for four years in North Adams and Greenfield, but they opted to relocate to Easthampton to be closer to their Chicopee home and to take advantage of a business opportunity.
“The town is experiencing an economic growth,” Bergeron said.
And Easthampton is also a welcoming community when it comes to pot, he said.
In November, over 60 percent of the 9,796 voters in Easthampton approved the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Even though the measure passed, shops won’t be able to sell marijuana on a retail basis until at least the summer of 2018, though part of the new law — legalizing possession and home-growing — is already in effect.
The regulations governing the industry will be established by a yet-to-be formed Cannabis Control Commission made up of three members appointed by the Massachusetts treasurer.
The commission would also develop procedures for issuing and renewing licenses, for requirements for the security of marijuana businesses, for preventing marijuana sales to minors, for record keeping, health and safety standards, for packaging, labeling and testing requirements, for marketing restrictions and for enforcement mechanisms.
On a local level, the Easthampton City Council has begun discussions on setting its own regulations for the sale of recreational marijuana. Among the topics is limiting the amount of permits for retail marijuana stores.
And the Planning Board last week began a discussion on local zoning for recreational marijuana, taking testimony from some who argued that retail shops should not be allowed downtown or near schools while others said the city should embrace the potential new businesses that may choose to located in the city.
As the laws and regulations on marijuana continue to change, so does the business.
“The market is flooded with new products,” Bergeron said.
Depending on regulations, Head Eaze will have to wait and see what it can sell. Bergerson said they’re looking into selling seeds.
Bergeron said the shop is focusing on selling glass pipes from local artists including Sherlock pipes blown by an artist in Chicopee. West Coast states that have legalized marijuana, Bergeron said, have a culture and style of pipes and art. One day, Easthampton may have a style as well.
Head Eaze also sells jewelry, e-cigarettes, vaporizers, clothing, hats, incense, hookahs and related accessories, and tapestries and calendars, among other items.
And with a nearby medical marijuana dispensary in the works — Hampden Care Facility off Pleasant Street — Bergeron said Head Eaze may offer a discount to patients.
Although the city has been open to legalized marijuana, the School Committee has voiced its concern and passed a resolution in opposition of the state ballot measure before the election.
Upon hearing about the new smoke shop on Union Street, Superintendent Nancy Follansbee wrote a letter stating her concern over the location of the shop in relation to one of the elementary schools.
But Head Eaze has a strict policy — no one under 18 years old is allowed to enter the shop without an adult, its owners said.
Caitlin Ashworth can be reached cashworth@gazettenet.com.