Caroline Pineau, the city woman hoping to open the Stem marijuana dispensary downtown at 124 Washington St., has completed a cannabis mentoring program she tells WHAV will “elevate her business strategy” ahead of the city’s special permit progress.
Pineau, who also owns downtown’s Yoga Tree Studio, was one of three budding cannabis entrepreneurs to take part in the Garden Remedies-backed Catalyst Mentoring Program. As part of the program, Pineau and her fellow attendees—a marijuana cultivator from Holyoke and a massage therapist from Shelburne Falls—received hands-on training on how to start a dispensary from others who have done it in the state.
“My experience working with the Garden Remedies team was transformational and impactful. The one-on-one mentorship sessions really helped me navigate challenges and elevate my business strategy,” Pineau told WHAV.
Pineau praised Garden Remedies President and CEO Karen Munkacy—who operates the state’s only cannabis company founded and led by a female physician—for being a role model as she gets ready for a special permit hearing before Haverhill’s City Council.
As WHAV previously reported, Pineau is one of three applicants hoping to do retail marijuana business in Haverhill. Janet Kupris of Full Harvest Moonz petitions the City Council for her location at 101 Plaistow Road on May 21, while CNA Stores (pursuing 558 River St.) and Pineau’s Stem do not yet have Special Permit hearing dates.
Two other companies—Mellow Fellows and Haverwell Market—have expressed interest about possible dispensaries but have yet to submit Host Community Agreements with Mayor James J. Firorentini, which is the first step in the application process.