NETA: Adult Use Marijuana Q&A

WHAT IS ADULT USE?

In 2016, the citizens of Massachusetts voted “yes” on Question 4 to legalize recreation sales of marijuana to adults age 21 years and older. The regulation of medical marijuana remains unchanged. Details of the law relevant to the retail experience include:

• Any person over the age of 21 can enter a retail marijuana dispensary and will be required to present a government-issued ID (e.g. driver’s license, ID card or passport) for verification.
• An adult use consumer can purchase up to 1oz of flower or 5 grams of concentrate.
• Certain potency restrictions, including a 5mg serving size limit for edibles, will apply to non-medical products.

WHAT IS THE EXPECTED START DATE FOR ADULT USE AT NETA?

On October 4th, the CCC voted to issue NETA a final license for retail sales at NETA Northampton. Retail sales are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, November 20th.

We continue to work diligently with the CCC on licensing for Brookline and will provide updates as the process there moves forward.

ARE PATIENTS STILL THE FOCUS?

Absolutely. We want our patients to know:

1. Inventory: NETA reserves at least 35% of our inventory for our patients on a daily basis.
2. Lines: Patients have the option to access separate, patient-only, service stations.
3. New product innovation: Our facility in Franklin continues to invest heavily into research and is developing a pipeline of products designed to improve patients’ experiences and address specific medical conditions and symptoms.

HOW HAS NETA PREPARED FOR ADULT USE?

NETA has made a significant effort over the past year to prepare for adult use sales. Here are the highlights:

1. Increased Production: We have nearly doubled our Franklin cultivation and processing facility’s footprint to increase and optimize production to support the additional demands of adult use.
2. Double the store’s capacity: We have increased our customer service staff twofold and have remodeled the stores to offer nearly twice as many service stations.
3. Reserve Ahead web app: This easy-to-use service lets you view the NETA daily menu, reserve your order online, and have it ready for you when you arrive the same day. All you need to do is register on our site at NETACARE.ORG/RESERVEAHEAD and you’re ready to order!
4. Wait Time Widget: At times, there might be longer wait times at our stores. In an effort to ease wait times and make each patron’s visit to NETA a smooth one, we have continuous live wait time updates available for viewing on our website.
5. Additional parking: In Northampton, we have a parking lot at the dispensary, and have worked with surrounding local businesses for even more spots. Click here for more information on parking in Northampton. In Brookline, we are offering additional self-parking at the Hilton Homewood Suites, located just up the street from the dispensary. More details will follow soon. However, we still encourage our customers to utilize public transportation or other alternative modes of transportation.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON OPENING DAY?

This will be fun. But we are not taking our responsibility to do this right lightly.

1. Northampton first: On October 4th, the CCC voted to issue NETA a final license for retail sales at NETA Northampton. Retail sales are scheduled to begin Tuesday. 11/20, at 8 AM! We continue to work diligently with the CCC on licensing for Brookline and will provide updates as the process there moves forward.
2. Lines: Patients may utilize any service station they please, but we will also have designated patient-only areas. We will offer chairs, refreshments, and even umbrellas and fans (weather-dependent). We have a few other surprises to keep things fun for this historic day.
3. Limits: It is possible that there will be some initial purchase limits at NETA. Any limits imposed will be higher for patients than for adult use consumers. Limits will be evaluated on a daily basis and remove or reduce them when we can.
4. Safety and security: In addition to our own trained security staff, local police will be on site to help with traffic.
5. Media: We kindly ask the media to please respect patients’ privacy. Any filming requires the permission of the subject patient. NETA will be happy to help facilitate interviews with patients, customers, and staff who are willing to share their experiences. Let’s celebrate this day together responsibly.
6. Over staffing: For NETA’s employees and leadership, it is all-hands-on-deck in the first few days. We’ll be here to make sure everything runs smoothly for everyone!

DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO REMAIN (OR BECOME) A PATIENT?

Absolutely. Here’s why:

1. NETA is continuing the $200 yearly vouchers program to help offset the cost associated with becoming, or staying, a patient. Just come in to NETA within 30 days of receiving or renewing your certification, spend $200 and then receive $200 in vouchers from us to use on your next visit! Learn more about this awesome program here: NETACARE.ORG/BECOME-A-PATIENT
2. No tax: A 20% tax (adult use sales only) can add up. Patients do not have to pay it.
3. It does not take long: The process to become a patient has been streamlined. Becoming a registered patient is easy and fast.

WHAT IS NETA DOING TO ENCOURAGE RESPONSIBLE USE?

This is a top priority for NETA. We take seriously our commitment to ensuring safe
and responsible consumption.

1. Education: NETA has developed consumer educational materials that emphasize key elements, such as:
   1. The importance of “low and slow” consumption.
   2. Our “What product is right for me” guide.
   3. No driving or using heavy machinery under the influence.
   4. No public consumption.
   5. No traveling across state lines.
   6. Potency and tolerance tutorial.
   7. Safe storage.
   8. Substance abuse signs and resources for additional help.
2. Packaging and labeling:
   1. All NETA product packaging is child-resistant.
   2. Consistent with the regulations for adult use, we have updated our packaging with revised warnings and clear information to ensure that people can identify products as marijuana-infused (e.g. edibles) and not safe for children.
3. Retail staff training:
   1. We continue to train our staff to emphasize responsible consumption when interacting with consumers.
   2. NETA has retained a full-time training coordinator to continuously develop and manage retail staff training.