Council grants special permit to Pluto Cannabis with quarterly inspection condition

The Leominster City Council granted petition 40-26, allowing Pluto Cannabis to assume operational control of the adult-use marijuana establishment at 130 Pioneer Drive, with a condition requiring that city agents be able to conduct inspections "on at least a quarterly basis, with or without notice," in accordance with Massachusetts General Law chapter 94G.

Pauline Cormier, chair of the Ways & Means and Legal Affairs committee, opened the continued hearing and noted the planning board’s 6–0 positive recommendation and no objections from police or fire. Peter D'Agostino, representing the applicant, told the committee the current agreement expires April 30 and that the applicant would seek an extension from the receiver if the council votes favorably. He said closing would occur five days after all permit conditions are met and that council action determines whether the applicant can request an extension.

During committee discussion, Councilor David Cormier proposed the inspection condition; D'Agostino said the applicant was agreeable but noted the statutory visitor and access procedures under M.G.L. c.94G (visitor badges and limitations on access to certain areas, such as vaults) would apply. The committee adopted the amendment and the council voted to grant the special permit with that condition.

What happens next: If no successful appeal is filed during the statutory 21-day appeal period, the applicant will register the permit with the deeds registry and complete closing (applicant representatives said closing would be five days after permit issuance if conditions are met).