The city is considering a proposal by Garden Remedies to put a medical marijuana dispensary in Davis Sq at the soon-to-be vacant Family Dollar store, Somerville’s second to date.

By Joe Ruvido

A meeting regarding a proposed Medical Marijuana dispensary in Davis Square was held at the Community Baptist Church on Monday, November 28.

Garden Remedies, which opened their first dispensary in Newton 2 weeks ago, hopes to occupy the soon-to-be vacant Family Dollar on Elm Street. After this and an additional public hearing about their plans for the dispensary, Garden Remedies will have to apply for permits under city zoning law.

Giving the presentation was Dr. Karen Munkacy, President and CEO of Garden Remedies. Munkacy, a breast cancer survivor, used marijuana for her pain while undergoing cancer treatment. Specific to cancer, according to The Scientific American, “Numerous trials have indicated that medical marijuana increases appetite and reduces chemotherapy-related nausea in the short term.” Furthermore the drug has proven “moderately effective for reducing chronic neuropathic pain.”

The facility will take up roughly 5000ft² where Family Dollar on Elm Street currently occupies. The current floor plan would leave an extra 1000 sq. ft. for an additional tenant between Garden Remedies and The Burren.

For security purposes, the dispensary will have a check-in area and waiting room at the front of the store. Only when the patient’s ID and prescription are validated will they be allowed access to the pharmacy in the back of the facility. There they will choose between different strains of marijuana and different delivery methods for the chosen strain. Garden Remedies will sell buds, tinctures, vapor products and even an edible cookie infused with THC.

Garden Remedies raises all of their product at a “grow facility” in Fitchburg, MA. It is shipped to their dispensaries by Snyder Security, who also handles cash transport for Garden Remedies. The shipments are weighed before and after the trip to the facility to audit any theft of the product.

Residents in attendance were mostly receptive to Garden Remedies, with some voicing concern that children will be exposed to marijuana advertising in the busy Davis Square area. Garden Remedies responded that is bound by Massachusetts law which prohibits the use of pot leaves or paraphernalia on the storefront. They cannot advertise for their products and can only distribute product with a prescription.

Others were concerned about the financial health of Garden Remedies with regard to their ability to pay property tax and contribute to the community.

Munkacy said that their Newton location has seen “about 300 customers per week” since its opening. Cash transactions at the store average about $100 dollars. All transactions need to be done with cash or debit card, prompting some resident concerns about safety. Alderman Connolly voiced reassurance to that concern when he said, “I’ve lived in Davis Square for 40 years. Not a great spot for a mugging with all the foot traffic and cell phone cameras.”

Also, the marijuana committee set up by the city includes Somerville Police Department Deputy Chief Steve Carabino, who will ensure safety and compliance with the law near the facility.

Phil Woodbury of Somerville was optimistic about the presence of a dispensary in Davis Square. “I hope there isn’t an hysterical response,” said Woodbury, who has lived in Davis Square for 40 years. “There are already dispensaries in Davis that serve alcohol and oxycontin,” he added, referring to the alcohol and drug stores already in the square.

Ultimately, Garden Remedies may not be the only dispensary in Davis Square – another vendor called Sage Cannabis is also exploring the possibility of a location there. Both will need to get permits approved by the Somerville Planning and Zoning Board.

Chairman of the Somerville Board of Alderman’s Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, Alderman at Large Jack Connolly, and Ward Six Alderman Lance Davis, will host a neighborhood meeting on Monday, December 12, at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Baptist Church, 31 College Ave., Somerville.

The purpose of this meeting is to allow members of the public to hear a presentation from the owner(s) of Sage Cannabis Inc. regarding a possible medical marijuana dispensary proposed by Sage Cannabis Inc. be located in a leased space in the building at 240 Elm St. in Davis Square.

Representatives from Sage Cannabis Inc. will make a presentation and respond to questions and concerns regarding their application and their possible intent to seek a Special Permit from the City of Somerville.

The City of Somerville recently issued a letter of non-opposition to Sage Cannabis Inc. on their application to locate here in the city. City officials from various Departments also expected to attend.