Newton's Garden Remedies Could Sell Recreational Marijuana By May

NEWTON, MA – Folks might be able to buy recreational marijuana in Newton by the end of the month. Garden Remedies, the medical marijuana dispensary on Washington Street in Newton, just got the Final Certificate of Registration from the Cannabis Control Commission that allows them to start selling recreational pot out of their dispensary.

This registration is one of the last hurdles for Garden Remedies to becoming the first pot shop to sell recreational marijuana in the city. Newton gave Garden Remedies a special permit last fall, and while there are still several regulatory steps to take before sales can officially begin, the company said it expects adult use sales will begin in late April or early May 2019.

“Opening for adult use sales is a key milestone for all of us at Garden Remedies because it means we can help more people through safe, legal and natural cannabis,” said Founder Dr. Karen Munkacy, a mother, physician and breast cancer survivor, in a statement. “Taking marijuana off the streets and safely into the hands of those who need it has long been my life’s mission. We’re grateful to the Newton Mayor, Ruthanne Fuller, and our community for providing the opportunity to continue this mission.”

Garden Remedies is scheduled to have its final inspection by state regulatory officials on Tuesday, April 23. If it passes, the state Cannabis Control Commission is likely to allow adult-use retail marijuana sales to begin at the store shortly after. The mayor has estimated it would open for sales on Saturday, April 27.

Before any marijuana retailer sets up shop in town, the state Cannabis Control Commission requires the mayor sign Host Community Agreements with Marijuana Dispensaries. The agreement must stipulate the responsibilities of the marijuana establishment or RMD and of the community, and may include a community impact fee of up to 3 percent of gross sales to be paid to the host community.

Currently, there's also a special permitting process for marijuana businesses in Newton.

Marijuana uses are restricted here to certain commercial and manufacturing zones and numerous standards and criteria are placed on the different types of marijuana uses, including a limitation of eight marijuana retailers in total and a requirement for a half-mile buffer between all marijuana retailers and RMDs. But the mayor is proposing adding a review layer to the applicant process.

In 2016, about 54 percent of Newton voters supported the statewide ballot measure that legalized marijuana. And then in 2018 Newton voters rejected a proposed ban on recreational marijuana shops. They also poo pooed limiting the number of shops to 2-4, according to unofficial Election Night results.

What will happen on opening day in Newton?

Consistent with the deal Garden Remedies made with the city it will be urging customers to make online appointments or call the establishment to book appointments for specific time slots in order to make a purchase there. So, unlike in Brookline, where New England Treatment Access dispensary opened to adult use recreational sales recently and allowed walk-ups, there will be no walk ups permitted in Newton. >> Smooth Rollout: Boston Area's First Pot Shop Opens Without Crazy Traffic

The plan to be open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Per state law, adult-use customers must show a valid, government-issued ID proving they are at least 21-years-old.

Officials are encouraging visitors to take public transportation to reduce traffic in the area.

The Newtonville commuter rail is across the street and runs from South Station to Worcester.

There are also several bus routes (553, 554 and 556) with nearby stops on Washington at Harvard Street and at Court Street. Should patrons choose to ride their bike, there’s a bike rack on-site, and Lime bikes available for pick-up and drop-off in participating communities.

If driving is the only option, officials encourage ride share drops offs, as there are two spots in the lot and limited parking on Washington Street. They're also discouraging parking on side streets.

Garden Remedies also operates medical marijuana dispensaries in Melrose and Marlborough and says it is the only cannabis company in the Commonwealth founded and led by a woman physician.

Garden Remedies isn't the only pot shop looking to bring retail marijuana to town. Several others are in the process of eyeing Newton. The zoning ordinance allows up to eight businesses in town. Chief Planner Jennifer Caira has fielded daily inquiries from groups seeking information, and at least five inquires from groups who are interested in Newton, according to the mayor. Cypress Tree Management, which has a special permit to open a medical marijuana establishment at 24-26 Eliot St, in Newton Upper Falls also filed for a special permit to expand to recreational sales there, according to the mayor.

RELATED:

• Garden Remedies Could Open Retail Marijuana Soon:
• What's Next For Marijuana Shops In Newton, Ban Question Fails
• 2nd Medical Marijuana Site To Come To Newton
• Newton Passes Temporary Ban on Recreational Marijuana

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).