SWAMPSCOTT – The second cannabis retailer in Swampscott opened its door on a snowy Monday. Located at 16 New Ocean St., the Local Cannabis Co. is convenient to Swampscott, Lynn and Salem residents.
Chief Executive Officer Erin Carachilo said they worked with the town for two years to get this project finalized. The storefront, which was previously a liquor store, was located on a difficult-to-navigate intersection. To allow cars to access its new parking lot, the dispensary negotiated with the town and traffic department to rebuilt the intersection, consulting a traffic study in the process.
“We’ve been in contact with our neighbors throughout this entire project because we didn’t want to be disruptive to the neighborhood,” said Carachilo. Some neighbors have Carachilo’s direct contact to express concerns.
The dispensary also works with Toys for Tots, and customers can bring their donations directly to the store. Carachilo said, “I come from a military background. My father’s a Marine and my grandfather was a Marine. So, this to me is a great partnership because it’s something close to my heart.”
“Obviously business is meant to make money, but businesses are also meant to give back and support. I think that’s extremely important,” she said. The Local Cannabis Co. is a multi-state company, and the Swampscott dispensary is the second store under its ownership. In Kansas City, they have organized charity and volunteer activities with their employees. They are looking to encourage the same in the Swampscott dispensary.
The pricing of cannabis depends on the type of product, the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content, and the manufacturer. The sales tax on adult-use marijuana in Massachusetts is subject to a 6.25 percent state sales tax, a 10.75 percent state excise tax, and up to a 3 percent local option for city and town tax. Carachilo recognizes that, although taxes are high throughout Massachusetts, people need the products for various reasons. The Local Cannabis Co. wants to be the most affordable dispensary in the area.
“I feel good [about the grand opening],” said Carachilo. “I would’ve looked for it a little earlier so that it is not the middle of winter.”
