Next month, Wareham will likely become the third place east of Colorado where it’s legal to buy marijuana without a prescription.

Verilife, a medical dispensary located at 112 Main St., is soon expected to start selling marijuana for “adult use” — meaning anyone with a valid ID can purchase products. 

“We don’t have a hard date yet, but we’re looking at early December,” said said Shelly Stormo, executive director of Verilife’s Wareham location. Verilife is part of the Chicago-based PharmaCannis company.

Medical marijuana has been legal in the state since 2012 while recreational marijuana was approved by a state ballot question in 2016. Verilife opened its doors in July and recently launched a home delivery service for its patients.

The state Cannabis Control Commission announced Nov. 16 that it had approved a store in Leicester and another in Northampton to start sales. Known as a “commence full operations” notice, the approval allowed both stores to start selling on Nov. 19, three days after the announcement per state regulations.

The notice shows that a retail marijuana store has complied with a lengthy list of state regulations.

Stormo said Verilife is still waiting for their state approval, but she doesn’t expect any lengthy delays from the state. 

“It’s basically a formality at this point,” said Stormo, who added she’s unsure when the official announcement will arrive.

When the adult use sales begin it’s likely the town will experience an influx of people. According to media reports, large crowds are still appearing at the Northampton and Leicester stores in the wake of their recent openings. In Leicester, Selectmen called an emergency meeting to hear complaints from residents complaining of traffic, trash and other nuisances. 

Stormo said Verilife will take several steps in preparation of its opening in conjunction with town officials. 

According to Selectmen Alan Slavin, there will be satellite parking lots set up with shuttle buses taking customers back and forth to Verilife.

Verilife customers will also receive alerts via text when it’s their turn to enter the store, which has a capacity for 21 people. While waiting, Stormo said customers will be encouraged to spend time at businesses on Main Street. Verilife will offer discounts to customers who eat at area restaurants.

With Tobey Hospital nearly adjacent to the dispensary, some have raised access concerns for patients and ambulances. Southcoast Health officials say they’re considering options. 

“Southcoast is working closely with local officials in Wareham to assess the risks and assure that patient safety and access to Tobey Hospital is not impacted,” said Southcoast spokeswoman Maureen Boyle. “This will be a continuing conversation from now into the future so we can fully understand the impact and make changes as necessary. We encourage the public to adhere to any and all parking procedures put forth by local law enforcement and area businesses so that traffic congestion will not put our patients and particularly our emergency department access at risk.”

Slavin also added that various town agencies such as police, fire and EMS have all met to discuss potential issues that may arise at Verilife’s opening. 

“We’re expecting upwards of 4,000 people on the first day,” Slavin said. “So public safety is a top priority.” 

Stormo noted that once they receive state approval, anyone 21 or older may purchase marijuana at Verilife with a valid, state-issued ID. While Massachusetts is the only state on the East Coast where it’s legal to buy recreational marijuana, those with out of state IDs may still purchase at Verilife, however, it is against federal law to take it out of the state.

In anticipation of high demand, Stormo said sales of best-selling marijuana strains may be limited.

“We’re doing everything we can to make sure we don’t run out,” she said. “We want everyone to leave a happy customer.”