Enfield gets first application for cannabis retailer

Susan Danseyar, Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
·2 min read

Mar. 8—ENFIELD — The town has received its first request for a cannabis retail establishment on Elm Street.

Willow Brook Enfield LLC, doing business as Zen Leaf Enfield, has submitted an application for a special-use permit to renovate and occupy the former Outback Steakhouse building at 90C Elm St. for its store.

The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the application at 7 p.m. Thursday in Town Hall.

According to the application, the company chose Enfield for its hybrid cannabis retail establishment based on its location as a border town, which would allow it to serve those who enter and exit the state daily.

The application says the Elm Street site is a favorable one, as it is close to many other businesses and is easily accessible from Interstate 91.

Willow Brook Enfield LLC said there will no substantial changes to the existing 6,000-square-foot building, parking, or surrounding areas, and there won't be any advertising beyond the company name and logo.

The proposed hours of operation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

By definition, a hybrid retailer is licensed to buy cannabis products at wholesale and sell adult-use products at retail. A hybrid retailer must maintain a licensed pharmacist at all times when the medical cannabis component of the store is open to qualifying patients and caretakers.

Zen Leaf Enfield plans to separate the medical and recreational cannabis services and store patient records separately to maintain compliance with federal privacy laws.

In addition, Zen Leaf Enfield would take a number of steps to ensure that only customers 21 and older will be able to buy recreational cannabis. Customers will have their identification checked at the door and at the point of sale.

The company's security plan features advanced physical and electronic technology for controlling access and for surveillance.

The Planning Department comments on the application state that the project's scope is fairly simple. The vacant building will be renovated and improved to comply with state regulations for use as a hybrid retailer and site improvements will be made, including repaving and updated landscaping.

There's sufficient parking at the site, and it exceeds standards for such use, the Planning Department said.

For more coverage of Somers and Enfield, follow Susan Danseyar on Twitter: @susandanseyar, Facebook: Susan Danseyar, reporter.