Third Mass. Marijuana Shop To Open In Salem Saturday
SALEM (CBS) -- A third Massachusetts pot shop selling recreational marijuana is set to open in Salem on Saturday.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Commission tweeted Tuesday that Alternative Therapies Group, Inc, which already serves as a medical marijuana dispensary, may begin retail operations in Salem in three calendar days.
Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll said in a statement that the city has coordinated for weeks with ATG, police and the MBTA in preparation of recreational marijuana sales starting. Only those with an appointment can buy marijuana. Reservations can be made online at www.atgma.org.
"Customers without a reservation will not be allowed into the facility and will be turned away," Driscoll said.
All the appointments for Saturday and Sunday were already sold out by Tuesday night. The shop's website says the appointment only system is in place until supply and demand in the region stabilize.
The city has also made neighborhoods near the store "resident-only parking zones" and is telling customers not to drive to the dispensary on Grove Street. Instead, a shuttle bus will transport customers from the Commuter Rail station to the store.
ATG says customers need to bring a valid ID showing they are 21 or older. Purchases are limited to one-quarter ounce of flower and transactions are cash only.
The Salem shop will be the first to open in the eastern part of the state. Two locations opened last month in Leicester and Northampton. Leicester residents have complained about the traffic that has resulted, but it's expected to ease once the state allows more recreational marijuana retailers to open.
NETA in Northampton and Cultivate in Leicester have totaled over $7 million in gross sales since opening according to the most recent numbers from the Cannabis Control Commission.
In 2015, ATG became the first seller of medical marijuana in Massachusetts. Voters legalized recreational marijuana in the state in 2016. Retailers in Wareham and Easthampton have also secured their final licenses to sell recreational pot.
