Lawyers to offer lessons on how to open a medical marijuana dispensary in Massachusetts

By Jenn Abelson, Globe Staff

Massachusetts and Colorado attorneys are planning a series of seminars aimed at helping potential patients and business owners understand Massachusetts’ recently passed medical marijuana law. The attorneys will explain the process of applying for, opening, and running a medical marijuana business, including sharing best practices from Colorado and other states.

The first seminar, scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, at Cambridge Community Center, 5 Callender St., Cambridge, will also cover how people with debilitating health conditions can become state-legal medical marijuana patients.

The Massachusetts law, which goes into effect Jan. 1, calls for the state Department of Public Health to allow up to 35 marijuana dispensaries statewide. At least one facility, but no more than five, would be located in each of the state’s 14 counties.

“With 17 other medical marijuana states to learn from, Massachusetts medical marijuana businesses have the opportunity to be some of the most effective and responsible treatment centers in the country,” said Shaleen Title, an attorney who directs the Massachusetts office of Vicente Sederberg, a national medical marijuana law firm that specializes in business law, licenses, permits, and compliance. Vicente Sederberg recently opened a Boston office.

“These seminars will share the most successful practices for serving patients and communities,” Title said.