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Haverhill’s first adult-use cannabis store, Stem, is parlaying its status as a social equity and economic empowerment entrepreneur to bring transformation of its historic Washington Street building and possibly become one of the state’s first on-site consumption sites.
Stem owner Caroline Pineau says the business is using a $500,000 Massachusetts Cannabis Social Equity Grant to develop the rooftop and second and third floors of her 6,400-square-foot, Washington Street building into “a state-of-the-art cannabis-themed destination and education center.”
“This is a fabulous, historic building in the core of Haverhill’s downtown and we’re ready to open a new, exciting chapter with new, exciting uses reflecting the new cannabis economy,” Pineau said. “From day one we have prioritized creating new jobs, new tax revenue and new philanthropic partnerships for Haverhill, and this next phase will further those goals.”
Pineau said she relayed her interest to the state Cannabis Control Commission in hosting on-site consumption once the state completes its social consumption pilot application process. She said she would use a portion of her 1882 building for educational programming, golf simulators, a rooftop lounge and a juice and smoothie bar as part of the development project. Stem will install an elevator and a new staircase to bring the building into compliance with Americans with Disability Act codes.
Pineau gave a sneak preview earlier this month to state Rep. Andy X. Vargas, state Sen. Pavel M. Payano, city officials, acting Cannabis Control Commission Chair Bruce Stebbins, Commission Executive Director Travis Ahern and some members of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce. The group also discussed the state’s proposed social consumption regulatory framework.
Payano said, “Stem’s expansion in Haverhill is an exciting opportunity to drive economic development while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible cannabis regulation.”