ATHOL — Selectmen will consider the status of Elev8 Cannabis’ host community agreement following a suspension of operations ordered by the Cannabis Control Commission.

According to a statement posted to the town’s Facebook page, this will be done as part of the board’s regular meeting on April 4, which will be held at the Town Hall at 7 p.m.

“Town management, town counsel and the police department will continue to take all appropriate action to safeguard the community,” the statement read. “Residents are reminded that licensure to operate a marijuana enterprise is not a local government function but rather is administered through the state Cannabis Control Commission.”

Under state law, marijuana establishments and medical marijuana treatment centers must execute host community agreements (HCA) with the municipalities in which they plan to operate, according to the commission’s web site.

The HCA identifies the responsibilities of the municipality and applicant or licensee. This can include, but is not limited to: job creation, police details to handle traffic increases, details on the security system and stipulations if the business wishes to terminate the agreement.

On March 24, the commission issued a summary suspension order to Elev8 owner Seun Adedeji for allegedly posing a threat to public safety. The order took effect March 25 at 12 a.m, and required the immediate cessation of operations associated with Elev8’s Athol location and provisional licenses in Williamstown and Orange. Adedeji can request a hearing within 21 days following the date the order took effect.

In its report, the commission identified 10 substantial violations of regulations, including staff members lacking mandatory training. On March 22, Adedeji informed the commission’s enforcement staff that the Athol store had closed, but fully compliant with CCC regulations.

On March 23, Adedeji posted a video to his Instagram account, saying that the store was in fact open and he was running it alone, according to the commission’s report. Operating a marijuana store alone poses a safety risk, as it cannot be adequately secured against theft, the commission wrote. Adedeji also threatened former employees and their families who cause problems for the business or walk onto the property without his permission.

“By threatening to commit acts of violence against anyone who Mr. Adedeji perceives as interfering with his business, Respondent, through the acts of Mr. Adedeji, poses an immediate or serious threat to the public safety and welfare,” the commission’s report states.

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