Recreational marijuana stores are almost ready to open their doors in Massachusetts, two years after state voters approved legalizing recreational pot.
But these openings do not mean the fight over marijuana has ended. In fact, in some communities it has only just begun.
In Brookline, Ascend Massachusetts, a marijuana company, wants to open a store on Beacon Street in the St. Mary’s neighborhood. The company, which is headed by Andrea Cabral, has followed town protocols, held three community meetings, and is trying to secure a host community agreement.
But some community members are pushing back against the store’s chosen location. They argue that the St. Mary’s neighborhood is “the worst possible location“ for a recreational marijuana store.
