Franklin residents will soon have the chance to learn more about a proposed Marijuana Research Facility coming to town. Hennep Cultivation LLC has scheduled a Community Outreach Meeting on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 4:30 PM at the Franklin Sr Center, located at 10 Daniel McCahill Street. The meeting will discuss the proposed Marijuana Research Facility at 160 Grove Street, Franklin, MA, and give the public an opportunity to ask questions.
The choice of the Sr Center for this gathering is intentional—it provides a familiar, accessible location for community members to learn about the potential impact of a Marijuana Research Facility in Franklin. Local residents, especially seniors who often use the Sr Center, will hear firsthand how research operations differ from traditional cannabis businesses.
What is a Marijuana Research Facility?
In Massachusetts, a Marijuana Research Facility is a licensed establishment overseen by the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). Unlike dispensaries, a Marijuana Research Facility focuses exclusively on cultivating or acquiring cannabis for the purpose of conducting scientific studies. This might involve testing marijuana products, studying their effects, or developing new methods of cultivation.
Entities eligible to run a Marijuana Research Facility include academic institutions, nonprofit corporations, or domestic corporations authorized to operate in Massachusetts. Importantly, a Marijuana Research Facility cannot sell marijuana products to consumers. Its sole mission is research.
Why Hold the Meeting at the Sr Center?
The Sr Center is more than just a meeting space—it’s a hub for community engagement. Hosting the outreach session at the Sr Center ensures that older adults, who may have unique questions or concerns about cannabis research, have easy access to information. Many Franklin residents are already familiar with the Sr Center, making it an ideal place to foster transparency about the proposed Marijuana Research Facility.
Research and Regulation
Operating a Marijuana Research Facility requires not only a CCC license but also specific research permits for each project. Research involving human participants must be reviewed by an Institutional Review Board to ensure safety and compliance.
Community Involvement
For Franklin, the proposed Marijuana Research Facility represents innovation and potential economic benefits. The upcoming discussion at the Sr Center will help answer questions and clear up misconceptions. Whether you’re a senior citizen attending programs at the Sr Center or a local resident curious about cannabis science, the October 2 meeting is a key opportunity to learn more.
By combining transparency with education, Franklin’s outreach at the Sr Center ensures residents have a voice in shaping the future of cannabis research.
