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TEWKSBURY — On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Lazy River Products opened its doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony, becoming the first retail cannabis dispensary open in the Town of Tewksbury.
This newly renovated, 9,000 square foot, state of the art retail store is located in the Ocean State Job Lot Plaza at 553 Main St., Unit 2.
As new members of the Tewksbury business community, Lazy River’s President, William Cassotis, has announced plans to collaborate with several local charities as part of Lazy River’s pledge to support the community and promote a goodwill connection between store employees and the local customer base.
Part of the process to secure a new license for cannabis sales in any approved community is to negotiate a host community agreement.
This agreement outlines all obligations made to the town including taxes, transparency, documentation and charitable contribution planning.
The existing community agreement with Lazy River states that they have agreed to contribute at least $15,000 in one year, and $20,000 a year every year after.
Community service is a cornerstone of the Lazy River business model, and has been greatly successful with Lazy River’s first cannabis dispensary, which is located in Dracut.
According to Cassotis, charitable donations expectations of their Dracut location were achieved above and beyond in 2023 when Lazy River raised over $30,000 that went to multiple local charities.
“This was raised under the duress of a struggling economy,” said Cassotis. “We will likely achieve the goals we have set for the Tewksbury location, and intend to do better than we’ve committed to.”
Cassotis specified that all of the organizations that Lazy River currently works with also supports the Greater Tewksbury and Lowell area.
Some of these organizations include the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, which acts as a hub to support all food banks in the Greater Lowell area, and The Clean River Project.
The Clean River Project affects the drinking water in Dracut, Tewksbury and a number of other area communities.
Lazy River also works with veterans organizations that benefit the veterans in various communities, including Tewksbury.
The Lazy River commitment to charitable work is also instilled in their workforce, as every Lazy River employee is encouraged to help the cause.
Every employee, including the 30 newly hired to work in the Tewksbury facility, are asked to donate two hours out of their work schedule every six months to participate in one of the many charitable organizations or events that Lazy River supports.
Each employee is paid by Lazy River for their charitable participation, as the company hopes to instill a positive connection between the employees and the community they serve, and to strengthen the bond between the business and their customers.
“The effect that this has had on our employees is a positive one and introduces some of these people to a world they may never have been subjected to otherwise,” said Cassotis, continuing, “Our motto is give back, grow and succeed. Giving is a great thing, and a part of our culture here at Lazy River.”
To skeptics of the new Tewksbury retail cannabis store who fear this type of business will ultimately change the small-town feel and landscape of Tewksbury, Cassotis would like to share that he is confident that real data is on his side to debunk ideas of disorderly conduct and rising crime rates.
“We have a proven track record of having a massive positive impact on the local communities where our facilities reside, and we are excited about coming to Tewksbury to change anyone’s negative opinion about companies in our industry,” said Cassotis.
The Tewksbury Lazy River facility plans to have a donation box station within the store area for customers to donate their spare change.
Every month, a new partnering charity will be selected to be featured for donations from the box.
At the end of each month, contributions are calculated and then matched by Lazy River.
Moving forward as active members of Tewksbury commerce, Lazy River Products is committed to retain their reputation for exceptional quality, sustainability, and community commitment.
Lazy River’s Tewksbury cannabis dispensary is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
”}]] TEWKSBURY — On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Lazy River Products opened its doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony, becoming the first retail cannabis dispensary open in the Town of Tewksbury. Read More
