ITEM FILE PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Newton-based Massachusetts Patient Foundation (MPF) is seeking a special permit to open a store at the Cooper-Lewis building on the Lynnway.
By THOMAS GRILLO
LYNN — The city’s first medical marijuana clinic will face its next hurdle in July at the City Council.
Newton-based Massachusetts Patient Foundation (MPF), which operates dispensaries in Oregon and Colorado, is seeking a special permit to open a store at the 4,631-square-foot Cooper-Lewis building on the Lynnway.
MPF was one of two companies given preference to launch in the city by the Council earlier this year. The other was Old World Remedies. The Marblehead company plans to operate a shop on Western Avenue.
But both companies must negotiate a host agreement with the mayor and get a special permit.
Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy said she is negotiating with both companies and expects to reach an agreement soon.
James Lamanna, the city’s attorney, said the city has been in negotiation with MPF for an agreement that will provide the city with 6 percent of gross revenues. He said they expect to have negotiations wrapped up by the end of August.
Ward 6 City Councilor Peter Capano, whose district includes the Lynnway, said he will not support the special permit until the host agreement is signed.
Daniel Ross Karten, MPF’s chief operating officer, did not return a call seeking comment.
Joseph Lekach, MPF’s cofounder, said one of the misunderstandings in the marijuana debate is the belief that recreational pot will be sold at medical marijuana facilities.
“One of the tactics being used to scare cities and towns is if you let in medical marijuana, you are automatically letting in recreational,” he said. “We will do whatever the city of Lynn wants us to do, we want to be part of the community.”
In 2012, Bay State voters approved making marijuana legal for medical use and in 2016 pot for recreational use won at the polls.
Thomas Grillo can be reached at [email protected].