ATHOL – The Select Board has unanimously voted to extend an existing host community agreement [HCA] with Apotho Therapeutics, a marijuana cultivation operation located at 1 Exchange St.
Town Manager Shaun Suhoski said the agreement has been reviewed by Apotho’s attorney and town counsel, and runs through March 21, 2032. It was originally granted to the business when it began operations in 2023. Formerly, the site was home to 1620 Labs. Apotho also operates two retail marijuana businesses in Plainville and Dartmouth.
“It’s a tough business to be in right now,” said company counsel Lauren Foster who attended the Oct. 20 meeting virtually. “But, being a family-owned business, it appreciates being a community member of the town. Things are going pretty well, and our staff enjoys working there. We just look forward to continuing with the town if the board approves the HCA.”
Board Chair Bill Chiasson asked Foster about the potential impact on the business should Question 8 on the Nov. 3 general election ballot be approved. The ballot question seeks to repeal the retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana. It would allow existing adult‑use retailers to apply to become medical dispensaries and sell existing inventory on the medical market.
“It’s definitely something that shook the industry in Massachusetts,” Foster replied, adding that if the ballot question passes, “There’s due process. We’d have to figure out what kind of appeal rights there are. It doesn’t mean everything is going to shut down the day after the vote. The CCC [Cannabis Control Commission] would likely give guidance to not only the operators but also to the municipalities that have accepted these businesses. We would all have to put our heads together to figure out what kind of transition these operations would be faced with.”
In response to a question from board member Mitch Grosky, company director Lisa Madeiros, who also attended via Zoom, said the Athol location currently has a full-time staff of 18 people.
“We’re constantly hiring as we expand and grow, so we are definitely looking to support this community by giving full-time work, including health benefits,” she said.
Town Counsel John Barrett said that the host community agreement would allow for a community impact fee up through July 2027. Invoices for any cost that the town incurs because of this business would need to be sent to Apotho by July 17, 2027.
According to Town Accountant Amy Craven the town gets a lump sum amount in cannabis sales tax from the state. Last fiscal year the town brought in a total of about $179,000.