Boston's First Marijuana Dispensary Opens

On Aug. 3, 2016, Patriot Care Corp., a subsidiary of Columbia Care, opened Boston’s first medical marijuana dispensary at 21 Milk Street.

“We’re proud to be here,” said Robert Mayerson, Patriot Care’s chief executive, according to the Boston Globe. “We’re taking a space vacant for 10 years and bringing economic vitality back to it.”

“Being the first dispensary permitted to open in the City of Boston is a privilege for every member of our local and national organization,” said Nicholas Vita, CEO of Columbia Care, in a press release.

“Our organization is proud to provide access to the patients of Massachusetts and to be a community member of one of the most dynamic and historic cities in the United States,” Vita added.

Some residents in the area have concerns about Patriot Care’s presence in the city, but Boston Mayor Martin Walsh has been satisfied with Patriot Care’s proactive approach to establishing its business in the community.

“I am pleased that over the past few months, Patriot Care has worked closely with the administration to address many of the neighborhood concerns,” Walsh said.