BOSTON (WHDH) - A pot shop could soon be opening its doors in Brighton.

Massachusetts-based company Happy Valley Ventures wants to open a new recreational marijuana store on Beacon Street.

The location is between Boston College and Boston University and used to be the popular college bar, Maryann’s.

If the Cannabis Control Commission approves the new store, it could be open for business in a few months.

Boston College Police Chief William Evans voiced his concerns Monday night, opposing the opening of the shop.

“All the articles I have read and research says that marijuana can have the greatest impact on adolescents brain and that is who they are targeting,” Evans said. “I worry about their mental health. When their parents dropped them off here in August, I made a commitment that I get them home safe and sound with a great education. I think marijuana is going to complicate that matter.”

Happy Valley Ventures already has other marijuana facilities under construction in Gloucester, Newburyport, and East Boston.

Parking is another major concern in what is already a busy area, surrounded by restaurants, bars, shops, and the Cleveland Circle Green Line stop.

“We are going to run a first-class operation,” said Michael Reardon of Happy Valley Ventures. “We have a facility that will be closing at 9 o’clock. We’re going to renovate the building. We’re going to give back to the community. And we think you compare that to a bar that’s closing at 2 o’clock in the morning, we’re not a detriment to this location.”

 

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