First recreational marijuana store opens off Massachusetts mainland

A recreational cannabis store opened on Nantucket Island, the first to open off the Massachusetts mainland as the young market continues expanding.

The Green Lady Dispensary opened Sunday on an appointment-only basis after receiving approval to operate from the state’s Cannabis Control Commission.

Massachusetts voters legalized recreational MJ in 2016, but marijuana businesses faced additional obstacles to opening off the mainland because it remains illegal to transport marijuana through federal waters or fly it there.

The Green Lady Dispensary is cultivating marijuana on the island and received permission from regulators to conduct on-site laboratory testing in lieu of the normal requirement that products be tested at a licensed independent lab.

The family-run store said appointments will be required through Labor Day.

The island of Martha’s Vineyard has a medical marijuana dispensary but, as yet, no retail outlets.

– Associated Press and Marijuana Business Daily