Norwich ― A multi-state cannabis cultivator and retail operator received a key approval this week from the state Social Equity Council which allows it to move forward with plans to open a retail cannabis store in a former walk-in medical clinic building at 606 W. Main St.

The council on Tuesday approved social equity status for Verano and its local social equity partners. The company then announced it will move forward with the state licensing process for six additional recreational cannabis dispensaries, starting with stores in Norwich and Newington.

The Norwich store is expected to open this spring.

James Leventis, executive vice president for Verano, the parent company of CTPharma and Zen Leaf cannabis dispensaries, said the Social Equity Council approvals will help to “de-stigmatize” cannabis and correct historical injustices that he said unfairly impacted communities of color in the war on drugs.

“These additional dispensaries will benefit local communities across the state through economic development, job creation and investment,” Leventis said in a news release. He went on to thank the Social Equity Council, Gov. Ned Lamont, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and the host communities for their support.

“We look forward to contributing to the continued equitable growth of the cannabis industry in Connecticut,” Leventis said.

According to its news release announcing the social equity approvals, the state Social Equity Council was created to ensure the state’s adult use cannabis licensing process is equitable and that revenues generated benefit communities that were adversely impacted by the so-called “war on drugs.” Applications with local partners that meet social equity qualifications have an easier path to obtaining state licenses.

The Social Equity Council on Tuesday approved six Joint Equity Ventures and denied five additional applications, because the council already had approved the state maximum two applications for the parties involved. The council also withdrew previous approval for five Equity Joint Venture applications, because they shared the same qualifying social equity individuals.

Kevin Brown, president of the Norwich Community Development Corp., who is overseeing Norwich’s marketing push to lure cannabis cultivators and retailers, said the Social Equity Council’s votes on Tuesday were positive for Norwich. Brown credited the council for ensuring that social equity cannabis licenses are not monopolized by investors with multiple applications.

“I think the Social Equity Council is doing their diligence and ensuring opportunities are being provided across the social equity landscape, not just those with the most means,” Brown said.

So far, two cannabis retailers have announced plans to locate in Norwich and have received zoning approval. One was planning to lease space in the West Gate shopping plaza close to 606 W. Main St., but Brown said the group is seeking a new location elsewhere in the city.

c.bessette@theday.com