Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 8/9/2023
SPRINGFIELD — Mayor Domenic Sarno said at the opening of the newest recreational use cannabis dispensary that he kept the number of dispensaries low so they would have a better chance of survival.
Zaza Green Dispensary at 311 Page Bvld. is now open for business. In his remarks at the grand opening July 28, the mayor noted that other communities with twice or more the number of dispensaries are seeing businesses close.
The dispensary is 7,200 square feet and has already volunteered part of its space as a cooling center for city residents.
“People would probably be very relaxed here,” the mayor quipped.
The dispensary employs 24 people and much of the work in building the dispensary was done by local contractors, Sarno added.
Kathy Brown of East Springfield Neighborhood Council told Reminder Publishing that several dispensaries had come to the council but that “this is the one who managed to come through on top.”
According to records of the Cannabis Control Commission, the provisional license was granted on March 11, 2021. In writern remarks, Sarno noted how the coronavirus pandemic delayed the opening of the business.
Harry Singh, part of the ownership group, which is based in Westfield, said Zaza Green will be the first dispensary in the city to be open until 11 p.m.
Former City Councilor Tim Rooke has been advising the ownership group, although he has no financial involvement in the dispensary. He explained the business will have a rotating art exhibit featuring the work of local artists.
The dispensary will also be working with Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi by offering to train as budtenders. The training would enable them to apply for jobs at any dispensary, Rooke explained.
In terms of products the dispensary has a large menu with more than 80 strains of cannabis over 15 different product categories.
The opening was also attended by City Council President and mayoral candidate Jesse Lederman as well as City Council Vice President Melvin Edwards and Councilors Kateri Walsh and Lavar Click-Bruce.
Lederman said, “When you walk in the doors you would say it’s worth the wait.”