Economic 'Challenges' Delay Marlborough Cannabis Shop

MARLBOROUGH, MA — The Marlborough City Council this week agreed to grant the owners of a proposed cannabis shop more time to open, with the store facing financial challenges.

Calverde Naturals received a special permit from the city in June 2021 to build a new adult-use cannabis store at 239 Boston Post Road West. But the store has not been able to secure financing to start construction due to factors like high interest rates.

“Since the grant of the special permit, the applicant has been seeking the requisite financing and financial backing to proceed with the proposed [store]. That process has faced challenges due to escalating costs of construction and interest rates and the fact that Calverde is a family-owned business without the deep financial backing found in other operators in this particular area,” an attorney for the business wrote to councilors.

Calverde has struck a deal with cannabis company Green Meadows Farms — operator of stores in Southbridge and Fitchburg — to assume the lease for the Marlborough store and begin construction, according to the letter to councilors. Work should begin by October. Councilors agreed to extend the special permit for the business until December.

Calverde received a provisional license to sell cannabis in 2021, and the state recommended a final license one year ago, according to the Cannabis Control Commission.

If the new cannabis business opens, it would be the fourth in Marlborough after Vedi Naturals, Local Roots NE and Garden Remedies. A cannabis testing lab has also been licensed to operate in Marlborough.