Pineau Unveils In-Depth Plan for Proposed Haverhill Dispensary Stem

Caroline Pineau described plans for her proposed downtown dispensary Stem at a community outreach meeting Jan. 28 in Haverhill. (WHAV News photograph)

Caroline Pineau described plans for her proposed downtown dispensary Stem at a community outreach meeting Jan. 28 in Haverhill. (WHAV News photograph)

Downtown Haverhill business owner Caroline Pineau is one step closer to filing paperwork to receive a state license to open her proposed Washington Street marijuana dispensary Stem. On Monday, Pineau held a community outreach meeting for residents and abutters to offer the most up-to-date look yet at her “chic and sophisticated” dispensary at 124 Washington St.

With the aid of Compliance Consultant Will Luzier and Communications Director Jim Borghesani, Pineau outlined the various security measures Stem has in place to prioritize safety. As the business owner explained, the company aims to offer a “curated shopping experience” to consumers estimated to spend $100 per trip.

“All product is in locked, secure containers, much like a jewelry store,” she said. “It’s not just something you can pick up and put in a shopping cart. You’ll place your order and it’ll be given to you in childproof packaging before you leave the store.”

Having consulted on several other area dispensary openings, Borghesani said the security plan in place at Stem—including direct-link alarms to police and seed-to-sale tracking software—is top notch.

“We’re looking at safety and security that far exceeds any pharmacy, certainly any package store and probably even most banks,” he said. “Massachusetts has the model for security in terms of all the states that have moved forward with legal cannabis. It’s something to be proud of for the state.”

Stem plans to sell cannabis products including flower, edibles, manufacturing products and body lotions. No on-site consumption is allowed.

As WHAV previously reported, part of Pineau’s host community agreement with the City of Haverhill includes a parking and traffic study. Addressing neighbor concerns over crowd control Monday night, Pineau said she intends to offer appointments and a shuttle service from Stem to the Herbert H. Geocke Parking Deck on Merrimack Street.

Proposed hours of operation are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-8 p.m. on Sunday. Hours and other logistical concerns are among the items to be finalized during the special permit process with members of the City Council.

As she moves forward in the process, Pineau hopes to further the positive relationship she’s fostered with the city and locals who frequent the downtown district.

“Stem is dedicated to being a good neighbor,” she said. “We intend to be excellent corporate citizens.”