Recreational marijuana sales start today in Wareham: What you need to know

Dec 21, 2018

Recreational marijuana sales start today in Wareham as Verilife, a medical dispensary located at 112 Main St., opens its doors to the public for the very first time. Verilife is the fourth store in Massachusetts to sell cannabis for adult-use.

Two other pot shops, one in Leicester and another in Northampton, opened last month. A third recreational marijuana retailer in Salem opened on Dec. 15. Verilife has been selling medical marijuana in Wareham since July and passed its final state inspection on Dec. 12,  receiving a “commence full operations notice” from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission.

Wareham Police estimate that 1,000 to 2,000 people will arrive in Wareham today as potential Verilife customers, and several measures have been put in place by town officials to address public concerns for safety and traffic.

We hope the questions and answers presented below will help our readers navigate the ins and outs of this opening day with information on parking, purchases and more.

Who can purchase marijuana products?

Anyone 21 years of age or older with a valid, government issued I.D. such as a driver's license.

How do I purchase products?

All purchases at Verilife will be cash only as a federal ban on marijuana remains in place. Customers are encouraged to place their orders ahead of time once they arrive on site by using www.leafly.com.

Where should Verilife customers park?

All Verilife customers are required to park at Water Wizz, located at 3031 Cranberry Highway. There, each customer will be given a ticket that allows entrance to the store. On-site parking at Verilife will be reserved for medical patients and customers with handicap placards only. There is no parking at Besse Park.

How will customers get to Verilife from Water Wizz?

A shuttle service provided by Verilife will transport customers from Water Wizz to the store on Main Street. The shuttle will not transport customers without tickets.

Will walk-ins be accepted?

No walk-ins will be accepted at Verilife. Anyone wishing to enter the store must obtain a ticket at Water Wizz.

During what hours will Verilife be open?

Verilife will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, its regular hours. Verilife is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. The store will be closed on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.

When will parking open?

Parking will open at 8 a.m. on opening day. No one will be allowed to park in the Water Wizz lot before this time.

How long will the shuttle service be in place?

Verilife plans to operate its shuttle service to and from Water Wizz for at least 30 days.

Will customers have to wait outside?

As a small store, Verilife only has capacity for 21 people at any given time. As such, customers will be required to wait in lines outside the store. Warm clothing and other weather appropriate gear is encouraged.

How many customers will be allowed inside the store?

Verilife will limit customers to 800 per day, and only 21 people will be allowed inside the store at anyone time.

What products are for sale?

A full list of Verilife products and their prices can be found online at www.leafly.com.

Will there be restrictions on how much any one person can buy?

Verilife may place restrictions on how much any one customer can purchase depending on supply and demand. It should also be noted that it is illegal to have more than 1 ounce of marijuana on your person.

Can cannabis products be consumed in public?

It is illegal to smoke, vape or consume marijuana products in public. Like alcohol, it is also illegal to have an open container of marijuana in your car. Violators may be fined up to $100 per offense. Wareham Police stressed they will have a zero tolerance policy for any violations.