Wareham medical marijuana dispensary awarded final license for recreational sales

Nov 1, 2018

Verilife, the first medical marijuana dispensary to open up shop in Wareham, was awarded its final license for recreational sales on Thursday, Nov. 1, by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission. The decision makes Verilife the third company in the state to be approved for retail cannabis sales.

“We’re very excited to continue moving forward and serve the Wareham community,” said Shelley Stormo, executive director of Pharmacannis Massachusetts. “But there are still a few more steps we need to take.”

Before opening its doors to the public, Verilife will need to obtain several waivers from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health allowing them to sell to individuals without a medical marijuana prescription. Under current state regulations, Verilife can only serve registered medical marijuana patients and their caregivers.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health will also need to approve the transfer of some of the company’s inventory for recreational use. According to Stormo, the recreational cannabis sold at Verilife will come from the dispensary's medical stock which is lab tested and state approved.

“Our medical patients will still be our top priority,” Stormo said. “And they’ll have access to a lot of products that our regular retail customers won’t.”

Verilife will also be required to integrate its inventory with METRC, a tracking system used by the state, before opening to the public. METRC is used by the Cannabis Control Commission to monitor the transportation and sale of cannabis products within Massachusetts.

Pending the completion of these steps, Stormo said Verilife will be able to serve the public.

“We just need the state’s go ahead to open,” she said. “But it’s hard to say when that will be.”

She noted that the two other companies, located in Northampton and Leicester, were approved by the commission at the beginning of October and have still yet to open.

Those interested in recreational sales at Verilife are encouraged to call the company at 508 538-9070 with questions or to join their e-mail list. Due to state regulations, security at the dispensary is still tight. Only medical marijuana cardholders are allowed inside.