Marijuana Establishment (LME)

There are 8 key steps to becoming a Licensed Marijuana Establishment:

1. Review the City’s zoning to see whether your desired location allows for a Marijuana business.
2. Contact the Mayor’s Office to express interest in negotiating a Host Community Agreement to operate a Marijuana Facility.
3. Negotiate a Host Community Agreement through the Haverhill Mayor's Office (information on the agreement can also be found here. 
4. If you receive a fully executed Host Community Agreement, you may then apply for a license from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission.
5. Apply for a Special Permit online to operate a Marijuana Facility at the desired location.
6. Simultaneously you may apply for Site Plan Review at the Engineering department or in Room 300 of Haverhill City Hall
7. Attend the Haverhill City Council meeting when your application will be heard.
8. Apply for a Building (Foundation) Permit IF YOU ARE CONSTRUCTING A NEW BUILDING or Apply for a Business Occupancy Permit - online or in the Building and Inspections Office, Room 214 in Haverhill City Hall. NB: Payment of Fees is required, but does not guarantee that a permit will be issued..Application must pass all required approvals first.

A General Applicant for a Host Community Agreement may be approved only after a Social Equity Business has commenced operations. The City has a policy to administer a 1:1 Local Approval Process until such time as 50% of the Licensees operating in the Host Community are Social Equity Businesses. 

Applicants should not apply for any permits until they have an executed Host Community Agreement.

This application works in conjunction with the main Marijuana Establishment (LME) application. By placing the required Security Plan here, it will remain safe from public review and protect the Applicant and their proposed business. THE SECURITY PLAN IS REQUIRED. The plan should detail how you will ensure the safety of employees, patrons and the public to protect the premises from theft or other criminal activity. It will be reviewed for approval by the Chief of Police or his designee and must include the following:

an interior floor plan including secured areas, windows, doors, etc.; exterior lighting, fencing and gates (if any), alarms and any additional security measures required by the Police Chief.