The Cannabis Control Commission voted today to remove the existing but not operational social consumption pilot program from Massachusetts regulations during its second public meeting on the topic.
Economic Empowerment applicants and Social Equity Program participants are expected to have an exclusivity period for social consumption licenses. The current pilot limits licensing to 12 municipalities and creates an unnecessary challenge to entrepreneurs from communities harmed by the war on drugs exploring opportunities with potential host communities.
Equitable Opportunities Now sent the letter below in advance of the meeting urging support for the vote and in response to today’s vote Equitable Opportunities Now Policy Co-Chair Armani White issued the following statement:
“We applaud the Cannabis Control Commission’s vote to remove the current pilot program and focus on a long-term regulatory and application framework centered on equity, health, safety, and viability.
“We appreciate Commissioners Camargo and Stebbins’ leadership on this issue and the thoughtful discussion of the full Commission under Chair O’Brien’s leadership.
“We look forward to working together to ensure that this exciting new license type creates meaningful opportunities for communities most harmed by the war on drugs.”
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