Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 6/26/2023
PALMER — In the wake of her former business partner’s arrest on felony drug charges, Suzanne Melanson, owner of Kali Cannabis, updated the status of the retail project and expressed her determination to proceed with the venture.
Melanson confirmed that the project was on hold until a new investor can be secured. She emphasized that she is now the sole owner of Kali Cannabis.
Reminder Publishing reported in June that the now jettisoned co-owner, Evans Klimavich, was allegedly involved as a co-conspirator in a large-scale drug trafficking enterprise in the state, specifically cocaine.
In a June 12 statement, Melanson stressed that the investigation into Klimavich’s alleged activities did not involve “Kali Cannabis in any way,” reiterating her 100% ownership of the startup.
She also highlighted that Kali Cannabis’ attorney also notified the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission of the situation.
Kali Cannabis proposes a 2,800-square-foot retail space at 405 Shearer St., with an anticipated opening in late summer or early fall. The upstart store held a March 1 groundbreaking at the sit, as family, friends, stakeholders and town official looked on.
Klimavich was arraigned on May 31 in Worcester District Court, while another co-conspirator, Stephen Marsden from Quincy, was arrested in connection with the drug trafficking operation involving 3 kilograms of suspected cocaine mailed from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts.
Speaking with Reminder Publishing, Melanson expressed shock and horror upon learning of Klimavich’s arrest. She revealed that the news came at a time when Kali Cannabis had received architectural review approval from the CCC.
“We were ready to deploy. We were ready to go,” Melanson stated. However, in response to the arrest, Melanson took immediate action, halting all activities associated with the project on May 27.
Despite trucks already transporting materials to the site, Melanson made it clear that the project immediately stopped. She attributed an early delay in the project to cost issues with the initial engineering design. However, the revised plan was presented and approved by Palmer officials.
Melanson described her emotional state upon learning of Klimavich’s legal situation as horror, anguish, and devastation. She shared that Kali Cannabis had been in the works for nine years, representing her shot at success.
She reached out to members of the Planning Board, seeking their continued support for the project.
Looking to the future, Melanson expressed optimism, stating, “We have a lot of leads on another investor. We feel strongly we can recover from it.” While acknowledging potential delays and uncertainties that may push back the opening date, she displayed confidence in her team’s ability to overcome the setback.
Furthermore, the company plans to hire a retired police officer to oversee security and compliance. Melanson emphasized Kali Cannabis’s focus on education, quality partnerships, and showcasing their partners’ products.
The goal is to provide consumers with an educational experience. She revealed plans to launch the company’s website in August and adopt a collaborative approach in the marketplace. Currently, Kali Cannabis holds a provisional license from the state.