Framingham May Increase Adult Cannabis Retail Licenses

FRAMINGHAM, MA — A Westborough-based cannabis company wants Framingham to grant an additional license for a new marijuana business, sparking a wider discussion about whether the city should broaden the total number of adult retail licenses available.

Cannapreneur Partners, which funds cannabis businesses, sent a letter to Mayor Yvonne Spicer and the City Council in May asking officials to expand the number of adult retail licenses beyond the six that have been approved. Framingham does not have a cap on medical cannabis and manufacturing licenses.

Cannapreneur is seeking the expansion for a business it's funding called Mint Delivery, which will offer home delivery of cannabis products. The state Cannabis Control Commission in late 2020 approved a program to grant retailers the ability to deliver products.

At Tuesday's City Council meeting, Councilors discussed whether expanding licenses beyond the current six would benefit the city's tax base. Some Councilors were concerned about Framingham being seen as a hub for cannabis sales, however.

Chief Operating Officer Thatcher Kezer said it would only take a vote of the City Council to increase the number of licenses.

Vice Chair Adam Steiner highlighted that the cannabis delivery industry could cannibalize retailers that already operate in Framingham. Retailers located in Framingham should be given a boost to getting delivery started, he said.

There are three adult retail stores open in Framingham right now: Temescal Wellness, 665 Cochituate Road; Cultivate, 250 Worcester Road; and Nova Farms, 1137 Worcester Road. The retailer Union Twist is planning a location at 630 Worcester Road.

Other Councilors, including District 7 Councilor Margareth Shepard and District 9 Councilor Tracey Bryant, warned increasing businesses could have a negative impact on traffic and the city's reputation.

District 8 Councilor John Stefanini asked for the Spicer administration to provide a report back to Council on a wide range of issues related to cannabis retailers, including ownership, performance and where the stores are being located. That request was approved unanimously.