Equitable Opportunities Now, a nonprofit that has fought for equitable cannabis policies since the passage of Question 4 — including Chapter 180 of the Acts of 2022, which created the new fund last year — is asking legislators to make an immediate one-time $50 million investment in the fund before the end of the year in addition to passing Gov. Healey’s proposed long-term fix.
Category: Cannabis Social Equity Fund
The investments and policy decisions we make now will have a lasting impact on whether we create a truly equitable industry.
Are we equitably reinvesting cannabis revenue in communities harmed by the war on drugs?
The investments and policy decisions we make now will have a lasting impact on whether we create a truly equitable industry.
After more than four years and two legislative sessions, you helped make history last year when Massachusetts legislators passed a comprehensive cannabis equity bill.
Are you ready to do it again?
“Black and Brown entrepreneurs have waited far too long for an opportunity to participate in this new industry after years of criminalization have decimated their communities. We look forward to partnering with these impressive new Advisory Board members, Gov. Healey, Secretary Hao, and the Administration to ensure this new grant and loan fund program is created and administered equitably.”
What policy changes would make Massachusetts’ cannabis industry more accessible to people from communities most harmed by the war on drugs?
Please take a few minutes right now to fill out our 2023-2024 Legislative Agenda Policy Survey and help shape the future of our advocacy for years to come.
EON is compiling a “Binder Full of Cannabis Experts” that will offer appointing authorities like the Governor, Attorney General, & Treasurer a resource for a diverse range of experts on the cannabis industry and equity.
The Equity Advisory Board will consult with the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (“EOHED”) as EOHED administers the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund (the “Trust Fund”). A first of its kind, the Trust Fund was established to encourage the full participation in the state’s regulated marijuana industry of entrepreneurs from communities that have been disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement (“ADI Communities”).
Thanks to years of advocacy, there are now an unprecedented number of opportunities for local community members to have a say in how we implement laws as well as getting them passed.
Please take a look at the opportunities below and consider applying or urging your friends, family, and colleagues to do so.