An established Haverhill cannabis shop has secured a $300,000 state Cannabis Social Equity Grant that it intends to use to ensure access to its historic Washington Street property for those with disabilities.
Haverhill Stem, 124 Washington St., received the maximum grant, while La Bodeguita Cannabis was awarded $50,000 for a proposed Haverhill operation.
“We intend to use the $300,000 social equity grant to support the construction of our historic building at 124-126 Washington, ensuring it meets ADA compliance with a new elevator and metal staircase. This investment will not only enhance accessibility but also allow us to safely serve the public. We are thrilled to bring this historic building back to life and create a vibrant educational space focused on cannabis for those 21 and over,” Stem owner Caroline Pineau told WHAV.
Stem previously was awarded a $500,000 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.” The building within the Washington Street Historic Shoe District could become one of the state’s first on-site consumption sites.
“We are thrilled social consumption regulations have been green lighted by the state and I look forward to working with the mayor and city council on bringing this service to consumers and generating new sales tax revenues for Haverhill,” Pineau told WHAV.
Stem’s award is targeted to those who plan “to continue, improve or expand licensed operations”
Lowell-based La Bodeguita Cannabis, which was organized in 2023, listed Haverhill in its grant application. According to the secretary of the Commonwealth’s office, the manager is Nairoby Sánchez. The firm’s grant is geared to provide “Support for expenses essential to obtaining provisional licensure.”
The Cannabis Social Equity Grant Program is administered by the state Executive Office of Economic Development and was created to supports “Massachusetts cannabis entrepreneurs from communities that have been disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement and is designed to expand equitable participation in the Commonwealth’s regulated cannabis industry.”
“EOED in partnership with the Cannabis Social Equity Advisory Board has put in a lot of effort to positively influence social equity in cannabis for Massachusetts,” said Cannabis Social Equity Advisory Board Chair Keisha Brice. “As the industry continues to evolve, we look forward to continuing the work and staying true to our commitment in helping minority operators and entrepreneurs.”