Boston marijuana stores advance in East Boston, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, and Fenway

Five new marijuana stores could open in East Boston, Jamaica Plain, Fenway, and Dorchester before the end of 2019.

The city has signed off on so-called host community agreements for the proposed retailers, a necessary step toward state licensing that makes clear things such as operating hours. The five stores in the four neighborhoods are expected to receive final local approval at a March 12 meeting of the Boston Zoning Board of Appeal, per the Globe’s Dan Adams.

The city has now approved nine host community agreements, most with retailers. The most recent five sign-offs are for stores located at:

• 71 Maverick Square and 251 Meridian Street in East Boston
• 430 Blue Hill Avenue in Dorchester
• 401 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain
• 120 Brookline Avenue in Fenway

In approving the agreements, the city emphasized minority owners and local residents. Massachusetts voters approved marijuana decriminalization in 2016.

5 more pot shops get Boston’s OK, clearing way for state’s review [Globe]