Malden Smoke Shop Gave Out Pot 'Gifts,' Police Say

MALDEN, MA — A smoke shop in Maplewood Square was selling marijuana as a "gift" to customers, police said Thursday.

Police did not identify which smoke shop, but Boston Smoke Shop issued a statement after the publication of this story.

Detectives were made aware the smoke shop was giving out a little something extra to customers, so they had an undercover officer investigate. A search warrant was obtained, and police seized a number of items and cash.

Boston Smoke Shop's statement reads:

Nearly a year ago, Boston Smoke Shop raised concerns with a local public health official about the widespread practice of gifting marijuana and THC products in 21+ smoke/vape shops throughout Greater Boston. We were told the issue would be raised with appropriate authorities, and that we would receive advice on how to proceed. That clarification never came and the practice only grew more prevalent: not only in adults-only stores like ours, but convenience stores and other retail operations.

If regulators and government officials are now ready to clarify whether the state's gifting provision applies to retail stores, Boston Smoke Shop welcomes the opportunity, as we did one year ago, to help provide that clarity for the hundreds of affected businesses across the state.

Police said two people working in the shop were investigated. Criminal charges could be pending, but as of Thursday night no one was charged.

No Malden business has been granted a retail marijuana license.