With the next closest adult use dispensary located in Salem, local officials were bracing for an influx of recreational customers from the across the region and New Hampshire.
Robert Cousins of Derry, N.H., was one of those customers to make the trek.
Looking to purchase edibles, Cousins said Patriot Care is the first adult-use dispensary he has been to.

After waiting about an hour and half, Cousins made it inside. He said the staff was “very good and knowledgeable” but he was disappointed that he wasn’t able to look at the products and instead ordered off of a paper menu.

“I will be back unless one opens up in New Hampshire,” he said.

To curb anticipated traffic, recreational customers were directed to two satellite lots at 190 Plain St. and 30 Industrial Ave.

In the morning, the Plain Street lot was busy according to a member of Patriot Care’s security detail, but by 1 p.m. activity had quieted down. Traffic on Industrial Avenue was likewise free-moving.

As it welcomed recreational and medical customers through its doors, Patriot Care served the two clientele groups through separate lines.