Proposed Pot Shop Seeking Special Permit From Malden

MALDEN, MA — Talks will continue this week over awarding a special permit to Standard Naturals, Inc., a proposed marijuana retailer that wants to build a 3,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility off Route 1 in Malden. The city will hold a public hearing Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7:05 p.m. over Zoom.

The building is proposed at 7 Linehurst Road, next to the Route 1 Kappy's. According to documents filed with the Cannabis Licensing and Enforcement Commission in June 2019, Joe Selby, Steve Selby and Scott Moore, who have been involved with Kappy's locations in various ownership capacities, are behind the proposal. Sira Naturals CEO Mike Dundas is a consultant on the project.

The plan is unique in that it calls for constructing a new building, instead of retrofitting an old one, as other applicants proposed to the Commission. The site includes 19 parking spots, with additional overflow being provided by Kappy's.

Last year, the Commission raised concerns over traffic backing up on Route 1. Dundas, who would supply a third of the dispensary's product after his stint as consultant ended, said he anticipated traffic would ease up as more retailers open in the area.

The business aims to hire about 30 employees, with a preference given to Malden residents. It projected about $12 million in annual sales, though that figure was calculated prior to the pandemic.

See the site plan below: