Second Marijuana Shop Opens In Brookline

BROOKLINE, MA, — There were no lines Saturday wrapping around the block or even stretching out the door, when Brookline's second retail marijuana shop opened quietly in Coolidge Corner.

Potential lines and people blocking the sidewalk have been a major concern among those opposed to the cannabis retailer. Throughout the past year there have been several gatherings where residents protested the opening of the Sanctuary Medicinals, even as the Coolidge Corner retail association shop owners said they would welcome the foot traffic.

On its first day, Sanctuary required customers to order online, and schedule a pick up time and did not allow walk ups, which has been the bulk of business for other marijuana retailers across the state. Walk ups are also responsible for the long lines that passersby notice at other marijuana retailers. But according to Sanctuary's owners, it didn't hamper their business.

“We were extremely pleased with the first weekend of sales activity at Sanctuary Brookline," Sanctuary Medicinals CEO Jason Sidman said in a statement, adding that staff were able to keep things moving along. "Customers were respectful of our safety protocols and the Coolidge Corner neighborhood, which made for a very smooth opening."

As with any business right now, Sanctuary is requiring anyone who comes inside the store wear a face covering. The store is also requiring customers to use the hand sanitizer station as they enter. There are face coverings and single-use gloves for those who need, them and foot-traffic patterns marked on the floor.

The Brookline store is Sanctuary’s fourth location in Massachusetts and its first recreational use-only operation. It is the second marijuana retailer to open in Town. The first was NETA in Brookline Village.

Sanctuary opened in the space on Beacon Street once occupied by Pier 1 Imports, which closed in 2017. Aside from some pop up activities sponsored by the local chamber of commerce, the space has been vacant.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Customers must place their order and schedule a pick-up time through Sanctuary’s online ordering platform.

Sanctuary encourages customers travel by public transit, rideshare, or BlueBike.

Sanctuary is also housing the Beacon Street Gallery, a public curatorial project highlighting local artists through rotating art exhibits. The Brookline Arts Center, manages the gallery. PRISM, the gallery’s inaugural exhibition, which “explores bold, vibrant, and distinctive treatments of color to communicate unique artistic visions,” is on virtual display through September 27. The exhibit features work from more than 20 artists with connections to Brookline.

Related:

• Another Store In Coolidge Corner To Close
• New Marijuana Dispensary Planned In Brookline

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