Pot panel set to vote on first recreational license
The state’s Cannabis Control Commission is set to vote tomorrow on the first license under the recreational pot law: a proposed Milfold marijuana cultivation facility.
“We are very excited and optimistic,” said Michael Dundas, president of Sira Naturals. “We’re very hopeful that it will be an affirmative vote for us.”
The five-member commission will decide whether to let the company start growing marijuana that will eventually be sold to recreational customers. Sira has applied for a license associated with its cultivation facility in Milford, where it already grows medical marijuana. The company has also applied for a manufacturer’s license, which is required for any company making marijuana products such as edibles.
“You can be sure we will increase production,” Dundas said.
Dundas said the cultivation facility would primarily be focused on building inventory in anticipation of beginning recreational sales in Cambridge and Somerville. Sira already operates medical facilities in those cities, but is waiting for them to complete their zoning process for recreational pot. Still, supply could be limited for the first retail shops and Dundas said the company may sell some product to other retailers.
“If the opportunity arises for the wholesaling of cannabis product, we would look at that on a case by case basis,” he said. “We’ll certainly be preparing for our own retail sales.”
Though the first license marks a long-awaited milestone, there are still many steps before the state has a robust — or even functioning — marijuana industry. In addition to retail stores, state law requires all cannabis sold to adult-use customers to be tested in licensed lab facilities. Dundas said he would not be surprised if the next license goes to a lab, but said cultivation is an important first move.
“They’re also charged with allowing an entire supply chain to emerge,” Dundas said of the CCC. “It does make sense that a cultivation license is the first.”
If it is granted, the license would mark the start of the actual rollout of recreational marijuana nearly two years after voters passed a ballot measure.
It is unclear when the CCC will consider additional license applications, including those for retail establishments. Last week, the CCC said it has received 53 applications from 28 different entities, including Sira. Those applications include 17 for retail establishments. There are hundreds more applications that are in progress, the CCC said.