Jars of marijuana buds are displayed at 253 Farmacy in Turners Falls. Seth Rutherford, a soil science expert with 253 Farmacy, will talk about cannabis at Dickinson Memorial Library on Tuesday.
Jars of marijuana buds are displayed at 253 Farmacy in Turners Falls. Seth Rutherford, a soil science expert with 253 Farmacy, will talk about cannabis at Dickinson Memorial Library on Tuesday. Credit: Staff Photo/PAUL FRANZ

NORTHFIELD — Get your questions about cannabis answered at the Dickinson Memorial Library during a free public discussion on Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Seth Rutherford, a Western Massachusetts native and soil science expert at 253 Farmacy, a new “deli-style cannabis marketplace” in Turners Falls, will be the guest speaker. He will answer questions about cannabis laws, transportation, and safe storage to protect children and pets.

253 Farmacy describes itself as “the first vertically-integrated dispensary in Massachusetts,” meaning its staff grow, process and sell their own cannabis. Rutherford will bring photos and samples of cannabis — to see and smell — to help residents learn about the commodity.

Programming Librarian Matt Atwood said the legalization of marijuana for medical and recreational use is still a recent change, and many people have questions about cannabis laws and safe use, leading him to organize Tuesday’s program.

“I wanted to try and provide answers to questions anyone has,” Atwood said. “I’m assuming there will be questions related to use, too, including ‘Why anyone would choose to use it?’”

Atwood said he thought 235 Farmacy would be a good resource to Northfield’s library patrons, commending the new company for its “interesting business model.”

Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 264.