Smyth Receives Provisional Licensure Stamp of Approval From CCC

Shawsheen St. dispensary also approved by Planning Board, ConCom

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission has completed its review of the retail license application from Pure Tewksbury, Inc., which will do business as Smyth Cannabis Co. out of a newly constructed building at 1695 Shawsheen St.

The Select Board entered into a Host Community Agreement last year, and town officials certified in December that the applicant was in compliance with all local ordinances or bylaws. The CCC’s standard background check showed no disclosures of any past civil or criminal actions, occupational license issues or marijuana-related business interests in other jurisdictions.

The CCC findings said Smyth states that it can be operational within eight months of receiving the provisional license, which puts opening at or around October 2024. The owners pledged to recruit 30% women, 20% people of color, 5% veterans, 5% individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and 5% persons with disabilities in its hiring initiatives.

As for the new building, last month the Conservation Commission approved minor changes to the site design for the dispensary, and on Feb. 26 the planning board got a look at updates that include a reduction in parking spaces from 72 to 64 — the spaces behind the building on the above rendering were removed to save money. Some retaining wall will be replaced with a sloped lawn, and there will be a slight reduction in impervious surface. There will be 400 feet of cement sidewalk added on Shawsheen, a welcome addition for the neighborhood.

The site plan modification review and land disturbance permit were approved unanimously by the Planning Board. Now, with the CCC nod in hand, Tewksbury is a few steps closer to retail cannabis, and the associated revenue.