Newton Moves Toward Granting Third Cannabis Delivery License

© Shutterstock ​ The City of Newton is moving in the direction of granting its third cannabis delivery operator license to Rolling Releaf.

NEWTON, MA — The City of Newton is moving in the direction of granting its third cannabis delivery operator license to Rolling Releaf, which applied to operate its wholesale delivery business from a 1,500 square foot space at 69 Adams Street in Nonantum.

Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said Thursday that she has given her approval to Newton’s Law Department to develop a Host Community Agreement (HCA) with Rolling Releaf.

Delivery operators need both a signed HCA with the city and licensing approval from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), but do not need a Special Permit from the Newton City Council.

A delivery operator license allows a cannabis business to buy pre-packaged cannabis products from growers and manufacturers, store them in a secure warehouse type facility, and deliver orders by secure vehicles directly to customers at their residence or place of business. The storage facility is not open to the public and no retail business can be conducted.

Rolling Releaf will become Newton’s third delivery operator, joining Emerald Turtle at 120 Wells Avenue and Blue Sky Organics at 16 Maguire Court in Nonantum. However, delivery operations have not yet commenced in Newton as neither business has yet received licensure from the CCC.

According to the terms of the HCA, Rolling Releaf will be limited to three delivery vehicles and up to eight employees working on-site at a given time. The three vehicles will each make two trips a day from the site.

As with the other two delivery operators, the Newton Police Department reviewed and approved Rolling Releaf’s security plan, which includes storing all cannabis products in a secure and alarm-equipped storage room, storing all products and cash inside tamper-resistant and theft-proof locked vessels secured inside of unmarked delivery vehicles, requiring drivers and delivery agents to wear body cameras, and requiring at least one staff person to always remain in the vehicle.

In addition, Rolling Releaf will have a security guard to assist with monitoring the loading and parking area and making sure employees stay within the designated parking spots.

Rolling Releaf’s plans also include installing a retractable fence for loading purposes, striping 10 spots in the parking lot for employee use, and adding lighting and cameras to enhance site security.