An underserved section of the South End may soon see its first recreational cannabis dispensaries, but their close proximity could pose problems for fledgling applicants.
Redemption Boston has finally cleared most of the hurdles before it, with only a vote before the Boston Cannabis Board (BCB) standing between it and a grand opening on Stanhope Street.
A more recent startup has applied to open just a fifth of a mile away on Columbus Avenue, but rules establishing buffer zones around dispensaries may complicate that proposition.
Herbal Power LLC submitted its application on January 29 to open a dispensary at 329 Columbus Avenue, operating under the name Budega.
It’s still early in the application process, but if the twenty-year lease listed in the company’s paperwork is any indication, Herbal Power seems confident its application will be approved.
The location could be a roadblock. Boston’s zoning code asks dispensaries to stay half a mile away from one another, but the scarcity of retail space in many neighborhoods has resulted in frequent violations. BCB board members have indicated in past hearings they’d like to see applicants find spaces that don’t bump up against competitors.
That said, buffer zones haven’t stopped the BCB from eventually approving many dispensaries within the half-mile radius. That’s especially true for applications through the city’s equity program, and Herbal Power does claim to qualify for equity applicant status.
The buffer rule itself has also drawn criticism from civic groups and applicants, who say it makes starting a dispensary needlessly complicated and can prevent neighborhoods from drawing clear distinctions between residential and retail areas.
Geoffrey Reilinger, one of Redemption Cannabis’ two CEOs and founders, said he didn’t mind the proximity too much.
“This process is a long and difficult one, and I applaud anybody who’s making efforts to be successful in this new industry,” he said. “There’s a lot of room for operators. I wish them the best of luck as we both try to advance.”
David Crowley, longtime area resident and former president of the Ellis Neighborhood Association (ENA), said the area is long overdue its entry into Boston’s booming cannabis market.
“There’s been movement on this for years, but despite the ENA board approving of it nothing’s come yet,” he said. “These would be the first in the area once they get set up. As for buffer zones, there really aren’t that many dispensaries throughout Boston. Let them set up next to each other if they want, whether they survive is up to market forces.”
Crowley echoed the sentiment that it’s too difficult to set up small businesses in Boston, especially with the added burden of navigating the convoluted dispensary application process.
“It’s certainly not easy for anybody to start a business here, whether it’s a restaurant or a liquor store or a dispensary.
Boston has always made it very difficult to do business, and when you wrap that around something that traditionally has been a lightning rod, it makes it even more complicated,” he said.
Herbal Power LLC did not respond to requests to comment for this article.
