Published: 2/21/2021 9:54:59 AM
NORTHAMPTON — The Hempest has long been selling products made from cannabis plants, including hemp products, but they were not allowed to sell marijuana, said co-owner Jonathan Napoli.
That recently changed.
Earlier this week, the shop at 2 Conz St. made its first adult-use marijuana sale, Napoli said, after the state Cannabis Control Commission issued a final license to The Hempest on Feb. 5.
“This is a very easy shift for us,” Napoli said. “Now we’re adding products that contain THC.”
He added, “It’s a natural progression of the businesses.”
The store started the process of getting a permit from the CCC to sell adult-use marijuana in 2018, Napoli said.
“It’s a long, grueling process,” he said.
The shop is the fourth retailer in the city to open a recreational marijuana dispensary while many more are on the way — in total, 13 businesses have negotiated host community agreements with the city.