Business eyes Marion for marijuana dispensary location

MARION — Representatives from Lighthouse, a marijuana dispensary company, presented their plan for a recreational marijuana dispensary on Route 6 in Marion to the town’s Board of Selectmen on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

Chief Operating Officer Brad Davis, as well as Ericca and Justin Kennedy made their case for the dispensary, which according to them, would have a strict vetting process for all products sold, and be committed to the betterment of the community.

To highlight this commitment, Ericca Kennedy mentioned that the company would dedicate 100 hours per year to community outreach workshops, programs, and events with a focus on holistic healing for veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, substance abuse and addiction services, informational sessions, as well as community need-based programs for disproportionately harmed groups including women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Davis also described the vetting process as “hyper-conservative” and mentioned that products that don’t meet their standards are immediately taken off of their shelves.

The facility itself was described as a “high-end boutique,” which Kennedy said fits in with the quaint character of the town.

Based on current plans, it will employ a minimum of 20 people, who will be paid at least $18 per hour. Lighthouse representatives also said that the company will enter a host community agreement with the Town of Marion, and that Lighthouse will pay a 3% community impact fee, and a 3% local sales tax.

Plans also call for 50 parking spots for the dispensary.

When asked about why the company sought out Marion as a potential location, Kennedy said that she grew up in the town and that “it seems like a really great location for what we’re trying to do.”

The company currently has two dispensaries located in Coachella, and Palm Springs California respectively.

Since the Dec. 17 presentation was purely informational, no final decision on whether to approve the facility has been taken. Multiple steps are still needed to grant final approval for the dispensary, including approval as an action item at the selectmen’s next meeting, and approval from the town’s Planning Board.

Additionally the Dec. 17 meeting did not include deliberation for, or against the dispensary, it was purely an opportunity for the Lighthouse representatives to present their plans to the board.