Medical Marijuana Store Proposed for Revere

A Revere hotel operator and a team of associates – including former Worcester County Sheriff Guy Glodis – has applied to operate a medical marijuana center on Railroad Avenue in Revere.

Boston Wellness Association of Lynnfield – run by Rodeway Inn owner Matthew Philbin – will come before the City Council for public hearing on Nov. 18 with a plan to site a store to sell medical marijuana at 44 Railroad Ave.

The location is highly industrial and has no immediate abutters. It is within the new zoning district created by the City Council just a few weeks ago specifically designed to house substance abuse treatment centers and medical marijuana treatment centers.

“I believe this offers a special opportunity to improve the lives of those we love—our neighbors and friends,” Philbin told the Journal. “I believe that many patients suffering from debilitative illnesses will be able to live a more comfortable life while battling the illness. I will be committed to job opportunities for local residents and providing a welcoming safe and secure dispensary for patients suffering from these conditions.”

Philbin said patients suffering from conditions such as cancer, Hepatitis C, seizures, Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Glaucoma, Alzheimer’s Disease and HIV/AIDS will be able to receive recommendations from their physicians to access medical marijuana in a safe and secure environment.

Others involved in the effort include at least one very interesting name, former law enforcement official Glodis.

Glodis told the Journal he isn’t a partner in the effort and is on as a pro bono security advisor. He said that while he saw the pains created by abuse of addictive substances as Sheriff, he believes medical marijuana is wholly different.

“As a former Sheriff of Worcester County, elected state senator and representative, I am well aware of the abuse of addictive substances,” he said. “I am also well aware of the non-addictive, doctor recommended medical marijuana that offers some relief to individuals suffering from debilitative conditions such as cancer, Crohn’s Disease, Parkinson’s, AIDS, ALS, and Multiple Sclerosis. Many of these patients are unable to maintain food or any sense of wellbeing.  Many are unable to work or enjoy the many joys that you and I do. The voters of Massachusetts have overwhelming voted to approve medical marijuana in such cases.”

The proposal will face a Council that is virtually untested on the issue, except for the fact that many had voted to ban such centers altogether shortly after the law passed in 2013.

Many councillors at that time didn’t believe it was a good business to have located in the city. That said, there might not be much that can be done about those feelings now if they still exist – as the special zoning district recently created does allow the use.

It certainly could not be voted down on its face.

Beyond the Council, Philbin’s company still faces a very strict regulatory process being conducted by the state’s Department of Public Health (DPH). This program is currently in Phase 2 of the competitive application process requiring strict adherence to the rules and regulations being promulgated by the Massachusetts Department of Health.

Results probably will not be announced until early next year.

A ballot question calling for the legalization of medical marijuana passed statewide with a 63 percent affirmative vote in 2012.

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