News Summary

PharmaCann Inc. has opened its third Verilife dispensary in Newton, Massachusetts, marking its 51st retail facility across the nation. Situated in Chestnut Hill, this dispensary caters to locals and visitors alike, offering medical and recreational cannabis products. However, the opening also coincides with a lawsuit from three other dispensaries challenging community impact fees imposed by the city, raising questions about the fairness of these charges. The ongoing legal disputes and city regulations continue to shape the cannabis landscape in Newton, providing both opportunities and challenges for the newly opened venue.

PharmaCann Inc. Makes Waves in Newton with New Retail Dispensary Opening

Exciting news for Newton, Massachusetts residents! On April 7, 2025, PharmaCann Inc. graced the community with its third Verilife dispensary in the state, marking its spectacular 51st retail facility nationwide. This is a significant leap forward for those looking for high-quality cannabis products in a friendly, accessible environment.

What’s New at Verilife Newton?

Located in the charming Chestnut Hill village, Verilife Newton is not just another store. It’s a vibrant hub where residents from nearby towns like Brookline, Watertown, Waltham, Needham, Weston, Wellesley, and Dedham can come together to explore an array of medical and recreational cannabis options. This new dispensary is open seven days a week, welcoming Massachusetts residents, out-of-state visitors, and valued medical patients with valid state-issued medical marijuana cards. So, whether you’re trying cannabis for the first time or an experienced user, Verilife Newton has something for you!

The Community Impact Fee Controversy

Ascend, Redi, and Garden Remedies, have taken a bold step by filing a lawsuit against the city over community impact fees. The dispensaries argue that they have paid millions in these fees since 2018, claiming that the city has been collecting money unlawfully without any evidence proving that these fees correlate with actual costs incurred by the city due to the cannabis industry.

Prior to a significant law change in 2022, Massachusetts municipalities had the power to take up to 3% from recreational cannabis sales to address assertions about the impact of cannabis operations in their communities. For instance, Garden Remedies reports that it has shelled out nearly $1.7 million while Ascend and Redi have contributed approximately $493,000 and $200,000, respectively. This lawsuit sheds light on the ongoing pushback against municipalities like Newton, which continue demanding impact fees from cannabis companies.

Unpacking the Lawsuit and Its Implications

80% of their fees. In a move to ease tensions, the Newton dispensaries recently struck an agreement with the city to eliminate most future impact fees unless the city provides comprehensive breakdowns of expenses tied to the cannabis operations. This would ensure transparency and fairness in financial dealings.

City’s Response and Future Plans

On that note, it’s important to highlight that any future dispensaries will be required to adhere to strict security measures, including armed personnel and comprehensive video surveillance. In addition, the city has implemented a cannabis tax applicable to both retail sales and transactions throughout the supply chain from grower to store.

What Lies Ahead?

Newton continues to evolve, residents are certainly in for an interesting ride. With new dispensaries opening and ongoing lawsuits challenging the status quo, it seems there’s never a dull moment in this town. Whether you’re a cannabis enthusiast or just curious about the legal landscape surrounding it, Newton is sure to be a focal point in Massachusetts’s cannabis journey!

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Author: HERE Boston

Tagged Massachusetts breaking news, Massachusetts business news, Massachusetts headlines, Massachusetts housing market, Massachusetts investment opportunities, Massachusetts retail news

PharmaCann Inc. Opens New Retail Dispensary in Newton