The first adult-use marijuana store has opened in Biddeford, and a few other companies have similar stores in the works.

In December, the Biddeford City Council approved adult-use, or recreational, marijuana retail stores in the Industrial 1, Industrial 2 and Industrial 3 zones. Adult-use marijuana retail stores are allowed as a conditional use, and must go before the planning board for review.  

Morgan Stoner was the first to go to the planning board for approval of an adult-use store, which he opened a few weeks ago at 419 Hill St., across the street from a medical marijuana facility he and his wife Karleena have operated for many years and continue to operate.

The couple are industry veterans, and became interested in cannabis cultivation about a decade ago after talking with some friends at Thanksgiving who were caregivers (those licensed to grow medical marijuana for designated patients).  The two were living in New York, where Morgan was working as an audio engineer and sound designer and Karleena was managing musicians, and decided to move to Maine to take a career path that would provide for their future family.

Business has been good since opening the adult-use store two weeks ago, said Stoner (which, by the way, is his real last name). With many surrounding communities not allowing recreational marijuana stores, customers for the product often previously went to Portland.

“We’re filling a huge gap in the state,” said Stoner.

 

Marijuana plants are cultivated at Stoner and Company in Biddeford. PHOTO BY LIZ GOTTHELF

Stoner and Company is also a cultivation facility, and flowers and pre-rolls are grown and packaged on-site. Edibles and beverages sold in the store are sourced from other providers.

“We put a lot of work into our plants. We have a very dedicated team,” he said.

Stoner said he has about 25 employees and will soon be looking for more. Most of his employees have been with the company for several years, and the staff has become a second family he said.

The adult-use retail area, which is in the front of the 419 Hill St. building, is decorated in a black and white motif. The same goes for the packaging of all the company’s products. Wrappers that look like popular kids snacks or candy are not used.

“It’s all black and white packaging, it’s not enticing to kids. We have two children ourselves,” said Stoner.

Biddeford city officials have been very good to work with, said Stoner.

“We couldn’t be happier – Biddeford is amazing,” he said,

Stoner and Company adult use store is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Stoner and Company leads a trend with medical marijuana businesses in the city wishing to open up an adult-use store, now that the local regulations allow such businesses. One other business has received a conditional use permit from the planning board, and another one has applied for one.

“All three businesses have been great to work with,” said City Planner David Galbraith.

Elizabeth Baldacci, owner of Blossom Cannabis medical marijuana dispensary at 45 Boulder Way, last month received a conditional use permit from the city’s planning board to open an adult-use marijuana store at the same location. Baldacci said she hopes next year to switch the use of the space from a medical-use store to an adult-use store.

Glenn Peterson of Wellrick, inc. is going before the planning board Wednesday night for a conditional use permit to open an adult-use cannabis store at 4 Wellspring Road where the company currently operates Canuvo, a medical marijuana dispensary.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.

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