Marijuana could be coming to town as host agreement approved

May 11, 2020

This article has been updated to reflect that this is not the first host agreement for recreational marijuana signed by the Select Board.

Dartmouth’s future just got a little greener, as the Select Board signed a host community agreement with a recreational marijuana dispensary at a virtual meeting on May 11.

Apotho Therapeutics out of Plainville was granted the agreement after presenting a detailed plan for the proposed business situated in the as-yet unbuilt 479 Faunce Corner Road development.

The company will now have to apply for a license from the state Cannabis Control Commission. A host agreement must be in place before a company can apply for a state license.

Once granted the state license, it will be able to open up shop — possibly by next February if all goes well, according to Apotho President and Secretary Matthew Medeiros.

During the meeting, Select Board members asked questions about vendors, possible delivery services, security, and how the town would be able to use extra revenues from the company’s tax contributions and community impact fee, an extra charge specific to marijuana establishments.

Medeiros forecast in his presentation potential extra revenue for the town of more than $500,000 per year.

Select Board chair noted that Apotho intends to hire Dartmouth residents to make up half its full-time workforce, which he called “a good thing.”

Although this will be the company’s first venture, Medeiros said, it is hiring a consultant with years of experience in the industry to provide guidance on operations and management strategy.

Apotho has also submitted an application through the state cannabis commission for another dispensary in Plainville.

The company plans to sell a variety of cannabis products including cannabis flower, edibles, vape products, pre-rolls, concentrates, and infused products, among others.

Plans for the dispensary itself comprise a 5,000 square foot facility with 35 parking spaces, a secured entryway vestibule, and 14 point of sale registers — although Medeiros said that if social distancing guidelines were still in effect at the store’s opening, they would only use every other register — and even an odor mitigation system with carbon filters.

Security plans include 360-degree video surveillance both inside and outside the facility, alarms systems, and 24/7 security personnel coverage.

Customers will also have to undergo two separate ID checks before purchasing any products.

Medeiros said that he plans to hold a few soft openings to mitigate traffic and other issues before a grand opening.

Board members complimented the Apotho representatives on the presentation before voting unanimously to sign the agreement.