The meeting began with A discussion surrounding Blossom Dispensary LLC, which faced scrutiny due to changes in its ownership structure. Harender Singh and Raman Singh presented themselves as the new owners, claiming to hold a 49% stake. The original applicants, Bina and Sapna, were not present, reportedly due to a misunderstanding about the meeting schedule. This absence, combined with the changes in ownership, prompted board members to question the legitimacy of these changes and their implications for commitments made in the original application process.

The legal counsel clarified that the ordinance did not require notification for ownership changes under 50%. Despite this, one board member expressed discomfort, emphasizing that the original application was based on 100% women ownership, a commitment that was no longer valid. The board engaged in a debate about the significance of these changes and the need for accountability, particularly concerning social equity initiatives promised by the initial owners.

Further complicating matters was the involvement of a multi-state operator (MSO), raising questions about whether the current entity should be classified as such. The board expressed frustration over not being properly informed about these changes, impacting their ability to make informed decisions. The announcement of a ribbon-cutting event for the dispensary prior to the meeting further fueled concerns about the legitimacy of its operations without final board approval.

The board members were divided over whether the dispensary should remain open given these unresolved issues. While one member acknowledged the bureaucratic challenges involved, there was a consensus that significant ownership changes necessitated final board approval before operations could continue. The lack of involvement from key individuals who had initially presented the application led to further distrust, with one member describing the situation as a “bait and switch.”

The decision regarding Blossom Dispensary’s application was ultimately tabled, with the board insisting on the presence of all significant decision-makers in future discussions. A motion was made to carry the application to the next meeting, scheduled for May 28.

Another topic of concern was the application from Bay Street Greenery LLC, previously known as W Wellness LLC. The board unanimously approved their application after confirming that the company had only undergone a name change and replaced one partner due to a conflict of interest arising from a state position. Chairperson Bunny expressed confidence in the operators, leading to a smooth approval process.

The meeting concluded with the board addressing a previous application from High Life, which had been denied. A motion was passed to memorialize the denial.