SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) — We’ve learned that total cannabis sales in Massachusetts reached nearly $4 billion in 2022. One of Springfield’s dispensaries, INSA, is part of that billion-dollar figure.
Although one cannabis dispensary in Northampton closed its doors last month, business is booming at INSA in Springfield.
“2022 has been a great year for us…we have been voted Best Dispensary in Reader Raves, which I think is the best proxy for how we operate. These are voted on by our customers and we are proud,” said Peter Gallagher, co-owner and CEO of Ensa. very successful.”
Western Mass News asked Gallagher how newly opened cannabis dispensaries in Connecticut affected their Springfield location, which is just five minutes from the state line that borders the Constitution state.
“I think Connecticut, in general, gives customers more choice, so I think it’s good for the industry. It forces us to up our game and we’ve got a lot of great things in the pipeline for 2023,” Gallagher added.
State Representative Orlando Ramos shares how this work is helping the city economically.
“So far, it’s been good for the City of Springfield. We have several dispensaries open, which has brought more revenue to the city. The City of Springfield chose to implement a three percent tax when I was president of the council and that three percent sales tax contributed to increased revenue for the City of Springfield.” Ramos said.
However, it also raised one concern about the industry.
“One of the reasons for cannabis use and one of the goals is to bring more diverse leadership and more diverse ownership to these dispensaries. Unfortunately, that hasn’t really happened in the city of Springfield. I think we need to do a better job of attracting and approving more owners from diverse backgrounds,” Ramos added. .
The Springfield City Council’s Economic Development Committee held a planned meeting Tuesday that will focus on the three marijuana businesses currently operating in the city. They are expected to discuss issues such as parking, traffic, and safety, as well as cannabis delivery plans.
Copyright 2023 Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.
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