The largest city in western Massachusetts expects to start accepting applications for recreational marijuana stores beginning in early March.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno has announced the appointment of a committee to evaluate cannabis store applicants. It includes the heads of the city’s health, police, fire, public works, and building departments.
Sarno also named City Councilor Tracye Whitfield to serve on the committee.
Sarno has pledged a comprehensive, fair, and open review process.
"So that way you get across who are the contenders, who have the wherewithal financially, technology, health, medical to do this the right way, and then you clear out those pretenders," Sarno said recently.
The mayor’s office said agreements with the first wave of successful applicants for marijuana businesses could be signed by the end of May.
