Zoning board gives new owners of proposed marijuana dispensary on Newbury Street another year to start work

The Zoning Board of Appeal today approved a one-year extension for a company that wants to open a medical-marijuana dispensary at 331A-333 Newbury St., so that it can finalize a formal "host agreement" with the mayor's office and win state approval.

The board approved the proposed location in November, 2017. The company that won approval was then snapped up by a Chicago-based marijuana concern, Green Thumb Industries.

The board voted unanimously to approve the extension. Although the original proponent was represented by former City Councilor Mike Ross, who has carved out a niche as a pot attorney, Green Thumb was represented today by local zoning attorney Stephen Miller. In response to a question from Chairwoman Christine Araujo what happened to Ross, Miller said he is still working as a consultant on the project.