Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
Mayflower Medicinals, a cannabis company with a medical-only dispensary in Allston and a cultivation and manufacturing facility in Holliston, opened its doors to adult-use customers on Park Ave. in Worcester on Dec. 10. One of many marijuana shops to open its doors in the last year, company leadership spoke with WBJ about why the Worcester market was the right place to set up shop.
Why was Worcester the right place to set up shop?
With Worcester being the second largest city in New England, it was the natural next step in our dispensary brand expansion. In addition to being an up-and-coming area, we were drawn to Worcester because the city officials have established a transparent and effective process for cannabis retail operators. We are thrilled to be part of the community in Worcester and look forward to establishing deep roots.
The cannabis market is being saturated quickly in this region, what makes Mayflower confident in its ability to stand out?
Mayflower is a trusted cannabis grower and processor, with our product line consistently being sold in over 30 dispensaries statewide. We also have been operating a medical marijuana treatment center in Allston since July 2018, which has experienced tremendous growth and has established a loyal following. Patients and customers can rely on our high standards for service, our top quality products at fair prices, and our focus on bringing new exciting products into the market.
How did Mayflower do in 2020, particularly with regard to coronavirus?
As an essential business, our medical marijuana treatment center in Allston continued to offer dependable operating hours for our patients throughout the pandemic. Our cleaning and disinfecting procedures, hygiene protocols, and safety measures ensure patient and employee health and well-being, and we continue to make strides to have convenient offerings for patients, such as pre-order pick-up and home delivery. Our ability to adapt to ever-changing public health conditions and our commitment to our patients has resulted in steady growth and has positioned us well moving into 2021.
Can you speak to Mayflower's positive impact plan for Worcester?
Mayflower’s positive impact plan is a set of company initiatives that positively impact areas that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. Designed with company values in mind, the plan supports the social equity initiatives set forth by the Cannabis Control Commission and generates opportunities for job creation, professional and technical development, and economic empowerment for qualifying individuals. Our PIP currently consists of four programs: Our paid fellowship program, wherein eligible fellows from the local community gain relevant skills and industry experience as registered Mayflower agents; Community Gardens, a program focused on urban beautification projects; skills seminars, a program in development that will focus on industry-specific and business-focused educational seminars on topics including cultivation, product manufacturing, retailing and business principles; and the Mayflower Artist Spotlight Series (MASS), which partners with local qualifying artists to design packaging for Mayflower products. Not only do we provide professional project management work experience for these budding artists, but Mayflower also donates $1 of each unit sold to the local arts organization Unbound Visual Arts.
Who are the company's main leaders, and are any of them based in the area?
Most of the Team responsible for the Mayflower brand is local to Massachusetts. The company’s cultivation and product manufacturing facility is located in Holliston, while other administrative functions including safety and security, compliance, marketing and finance are located in the Greater Boston area. John Henderson, Mayflower’s CEO, is a Boston native and is intimately involved in the daily operations of all aspects of the Mayflower business. Understanding and being part of the fabric of Massachusetts is very important to the Mayflower team.
Are there any other plans for growth and expansion in the works?
We have strategic plans for continued growth in Massachusetts. Our third dispensary will be opening in Lowell by the end of 2021 and will be co-located, offering both medical-use and adult-use retail. We continue to develop product brands that will thrive in the Massachusetts market, using consumer data and product innovation as the foundation for our product roadmap.
Is there anything else new and exciting coming down the pipeline?
Our house of brands is expanding! We are soon rolling out our newest brand, Last Resort, a line of pre-ground flower available in an assortment of strains at wallet-friendly prices. Last Resort is a retro-modern lifestyle brand that celebrates the spirit of living “the good life” and will be exclusively available at our Mayflower Worcester location by the end of January 2021.
This interview was conducted and edited for length and clarity by WBJ staff writer Monica Busch.
Located at 645 Park Ave, Worcester, MA 01603
Where is it?
2 Comments