Neighbors Don't Like Swampscott Cannabis Store's Proposal

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — A community outreach meeting by a company that wants to open a retail cannabis store on New Ocean Street in Swampscott included angry comments from neighbors, as well as questions whether the town needs two such stores.

Calyx Peak, a marijuana retailer with stores in four states, hosted last week's meeting as part of its application to open a store in Swampscott. Terpene Journey has already received all local approvals and is waiting for a provisional license from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission to open its adult use marijuana store in Vinnin Square.

Calyx Peak's proposal calls for replacing the closed C&L Liquor Store at 16 New Ocean Drive with a new building and parking for 10 cars. With the local and state approval process, the store is still at least a year away from opening.

"This is an area where there are numerous small children," Irene Pepperberg, who lives near the proposed store, said. "How do you control people walking into your store and opening up their bags of gummy bears and dropping them on the street for a child to eat?"

Peter D’Agostino of Calyx said the store would not sell candy that includes THC, the active compound in marijuana. He also utlined the extensive security measures the company will take in its store, including storing products in a vault and working with police and other local officials.

Most of the community concerns about Terpene Journey, which will be located in a commercial district, entered on increased traffic to Vinnin Square. But Calyx Peak's proposal is is a more residential neighborhood. Most of the more than 40 people who participated in last week's meeting were nearby residents.

Dave Copeland covers Swampscott and other North Shore communities for Patch. He can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).