Photo/Dakota Antelman
HUDSON – Hudson’s cannabis dispensaries will now be able to stay open until 10 p.m. following a Town Meeting vote to change restrictions placed on the Recreational Marijuana Overlay District.
The article, which was championed by representatives of the dispensary, Native Sun, was approved 148 to 20.
“We’re looking to be treated like a standard retailer,” said Native Sun Retail Director Caitlyn Woodward-Samson. “Our operations have been regulated and mandated by the state. We will operate as such.”
Native Sun, which held its grand opening late last year, had to close by 8 p.m. each day prior to this recent vote.
Woodward-Samson had said during a Hudson Economic Development Commission (EDC) meeting before Town Meeting that Native Sun usually has to turn away customers after 8 p.m.
EDC Chair Bill Sullivan voiced his support for an hours extension during that meeting.
“You have a big parking lot,” he said. “It’s well lit. I’ve been in a couple times. I know the product. I don’t see any downsides.”
Expanding hours would increase local revenue, Woodward-Samson said at that time.
“Right now, we’re regulated, and we have to close because you guys said we had to by 8 p.m. every day,” she said.
Hudson’s zoning bylaw for its Recreational Marijuana Overlay District did specify that establishments couldn’t be open, operate or receive deliveries between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.
This vote extended that evening limit to 10 p.m.
“I would ask people to vote in favor of this because our liquor stores are open until 10 as well, for example. So, it seems to make sense,” said Town Meeting voter Jeanette Millard.
The Recreational Marijuana Overlay District also includes Temescal Wellness, which operates roughly a half mile west of Native Sun at 252 Coolidge Street.
