Uxbridge pot retailer gets state license
UXBRIDGE – The state Cannabis Control Commission has approved a final retail license for Caroline’s Cannabis, LLC, one of six marijuana businesses that have signed community host agreements with the Town of Uxbridge.
Business owner Caroline Frankel, whose license was approved by the commission last Thursday, says she hopes to open her cannabis bou- tique store at 640 Douglas St. next month pending final inspections. Employing approximately 10 people, it will be the first mom-and-pop cannabis retail shop in the Blackstone Valley.
Caroline’s Cannabis describes itself as a woman-owned “country-inspired cannabis boutique store” that offers fine cannabis and cannabis products, including unique handcrafted cannabis inspired home, business and garden décor made with reclaimed wood, barn wood, scrap wood, free wood and salvaged cannabis stalks.
“Caroline’s Cannabis is a passion-driven business dedicated to spreading the ‘kind’ words of cannabis in an artistic, beautiful and creative way,” Frankel said in a press release.
Frankels’ host community agreement with the town calls for a community impact fee that equals 3 percent of sales revenue, on top of a 3 percent local sales tax and additional state taxes.
Frankel says she plans to institute a direct giving program that will target donations and sponsorships to advocacy groups, economic empowerment non-profits, and local charities in Worcester County, including the Worcester women’s homeless shelter Abby’s House. She says she will also establish a hiring preference for employees and contractors that reside in the area.
The town also has retail agreements with Grass Appeal and Gibby’s Garden; Blackstone Valley Naturals LLC, which is looking operate a cultivation and manufacturing facility at 660 Douglas St.; and Baked Bean LLC, which is looking to set up a marijuana processing and transportation establishment at 504 Quaker Highway.
The town also has a signed host agreement with Deep Roots Craft Cannabis, a family-owned cannabis start up that is looking to establish a marijuana growing and processing
operation on West Street.
The company is seeking a micro business license from the state Cannabis Control Commission, which will allow it to cultivate, market and distribute cannabis products wholesale to partnering dispensaries. Cultivation and manufacturing operations will take place in an existing 14,500-square-foot building located at 420 West St., which is zoned industrial. If approved by the state and town, the company’s principals estimate that the business could see revenues of more than $10 million in three years. The host agreement approved by the selectmen would provide an impact fee to the town of 1.75 percent of gross sales for the first five years.