The Civic Broadside · Cannabis Licensing

The Foundry Cannabis Company

Benevolent Botanicals returns to Malden with a scaled-back retail and manufacturing plan for 926 Eastern Ave — four years after a Land Court fight over the city's cannabis zoning rules.

The Foundry Cannabis Co. announced its latest plans for an adult-use retail marijuana establishment at 926 Eastern Ave, Malden. On Wednesday, July 29, Ward 6 Councillor Steve Winslow hosted a Community Outreach Meeting regarding the opening of Benevolent Botanicals, LLC's retail cannabis store. The business will include retail and limited manufacturing operations.

The same type of community meeting was held nearly four years ago, during Benevolent Botanicals' earlier effort to open a retail cannabis dispensary in Malden. Since that 2022 meeting, Benevolent's efforts have been stymied by the City of Malden's administration over buffer-zone and special-permitting issues. Benevolent Botanicals eventually filed suit against the City and obtained an order from the Land Court striking down Malden's highly restrictive zoning regulations.

Malden Police Department community room
The community room of the Malden Police Department.
Notice of the July 29 Community Outreach Meeting for The Foundry, at the Malden Police Department community room
The public notice for the July 29 Community Outreach Meeting, held in the community room of the Malden Police station.

Michael Clebnik, CEO of Benevolent Botanicals, made a relatively brief presentation detailing the particulars of The Foundry's proposed establishment. They shared renderings of what the building will look like.

Clebnik detailed security measures and how Benevolent will operate "The Foundry" in a manner intended to be in harmony with surrounding businesses and residents. This article shares copies of their slide presentation.

Title slide from Benevolent Botanicals' presentation introducing The Foundry
The opening slide of Benevolent Botanicals' presentation.

"The Foundry" expects to have both retail cannabis and light manufacturing licenses but will not be cultivating marijuana on the premises, as was originally envisioned. Benevolent has not yet determined what its hours of operation will be. The company will submit building plans to the City in the next few days for necessary building permits.

Slide describing The Foundry's retail and manufacturing operations
A slide from the presentation outlining the retail and manufacturing components of the proposed business.
Slide describing security measures for maintaining a secure facility
A slide detailing the security measures Benevolent Botanicals says it will maintain at the facility.

A few more details remain to be worked out in the Host Community Agreement (HCA) with Malden. Once permits and the HCA have been finalized, a documentation package will be forwarded to the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission for state approval to move forward.

Slide describing measures to prevent diversion of product to minors
A slide addressing measures intended to prevent diversion of product to minors.
Slide describing Benevolent Botanicals' stated plans to positively impact Malden
A slide outlining Benevolent Botanicals' stated plans for community impact in Malden.

Benevolent hopes to open "The Foundry" sometime in the spring of 2027. The Community Meeting was attended by four members of the public, in addition to Ward 6 Councillor Steve Winslow, At-Large Councillor Karen Colón Hayes, and four members of Benevolent Botanicals' leadership team.

Read the full presentation
  • Benevolent Botanicals — Community Meeting Presentation, July 29, 2026
    The full slide deck presented by Michael Clebnik at the July 29 Community Outreach Meeting, covering retail and manufacturing plans, facility security, diversion prevention, and detailed specifications for 926 Eastern Ave.
    View PDF →
A disclosure: Karen Colón Hayes, referenced below in her capacity as At-Large City Councillor, is a declared candidate for Mayor of Malden in the 2027 election. Consistent with The Civic Broadside's standard practice, she is described here by her current position and official role, not her candidacy.