After years of planning, building and navigating the license process, Ross Bradshaw finally opened the doors to his Worcester cannabis dispensary, New Día on March 1.
When he did, his company became the first social equity cannabis business to open in Central Mass. That is no small feat, considering the state’s legalization program was intended to prioritize social equity applicants like Bradshaw and bolster individuals and businesses from communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs, but instead has been dominated by deep-pocketed, multi-state operators.
Bradshaw’s company has drawn extensive attention to the ways cannabis companies can – and arguably should – prioritize helping their communities. Now, Bradshaw is eyeing expansion, with plans to open a second location near Fenway Park.
With his business being owned by a person of color, Bradshaw is hopeful more people who rely on the still viable black market for their cannabis will start buying from New Día and further legitimize the industry.
What do you think the future holds for Central Mass.? “With more cannabis licenses than any other region in Massachusetts, I expect to see a significant rise in individuals employed within the industry, products being brought to market, and overall normalization of cannabis in our communities.”
Dream car: “Despite recently launching a soon-to-be $1-million business, I still drive my 2008 Malibu from grad school that barely runs most days. I think it gives me that little extra hustle that makes the difference.”
