Executive Office of Economic Development Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund Regulatory Advocacy

EON has been proud to partner with applicants, operators, community leaders, and activists to advance an EOED regulatory agenda that prioritizes the Commonwealth’s focus on fostering equitable participation by increasing opportunities and support for cannabis social equity businesses and eliminating unnecessary barriers.

Read our latest EOED advocacy news…

• Cannabis Equity Fund Grant Applications Due Before Midnight TONIGHT
  As a reminder, the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) is accepting applications for the Immediate Needs Grant Program from cannabis social equity businesses that have at least a provisional license from the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) until 11:59 PM TONIGHT (Thurs. 2/15).
• Public comments to EOED regarding 400 CMR 8.00, “Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund”
  In response to draft regulations 400 CMR 8.00, “Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund” issued by the Executive Office of Economic Development, Equitable Opportunities Now issued the following public comments.
• Acting Chair Concepcion, Asst. Secretary Vega and other leaders to speak at Celebration of Equity Champions
  Third-annual fundraising reception will honor contributions to Massachusetts’ historic cannabis equity policies at licensed cannabis equity business New Dia Fenway
• Special Guest: EOED Asst. Secretary Juan Vega to share Cannabis Social Equity Fund update at Celebration of Equity Champions
  EOED Assistant Secretary for Communities and Programs Juan Vega will share general information about the agency’s plans for the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund and share the EOED’s progress in implementing the changes included in the FY23 supplemental budget (that you helped to pass!) in coordination with the Legislature, Executive Office of Administration & Finance, Comptroller’s Office, and other government partners.
• Passage of FY23 closeout supplemental budget advances Cannabis Social Equity Fund
  Yesterday, the Legislature passed, and Gov. Maura Healey signed, the closeout FY23 supplemental budget that will unlock millions of dollars in grants and loans to cannabis equity businesses. This is an important step toward creating economic opportunity for communities harmed by the war on drugs, as envisioned by voters when they passed Question 4.
• Advocates applaud progress on cannabis equity fund in supplemental budget, urge quick passage
  “Language in this bill will unlock millions of dollars to be reinvested back into communities that have been torn apart by over-policing and the war on drugs — and it couldn’t come a minute too soon. The loans and grants this program will provide can help save businesses and jobs before the holidays, but only if all legislators put the needs of the Commonwealth’s residents first by quickly passing this bill in an informal session.”
• Before you log off for Thanksgiving: Speak up for Black & Brown entrepreneurs!
  A Conference Committee has been negotiating the differences between the chambers’ bills for a week already, and could reach a compromise today — or in weeks. Once legislators reach a compromise, there’s no guarantee it will pass without objection from those opposed to other parts of the bill. Entrepreneurs from communities harmed by the war on drugs can’t afford to wait any longer. Let your legislators know that further delays aren’t acceptable and urge them to pass the Cannabis Social Equity Fund fix ASAP.
• Recap + Guest Opinion: Please Advance The Social Equity Trust Fund Fix | Talking Joints Memo
  The group Equitable Opportunities Now, which “educates and empowers people of color to become active participants in the Massachusetts legal cannabis market,” is on top of the situation, and has sent two letters to Beacon Hill lawmakers this month outlining the situation as well as the stakes.
• Tell your legislators: No more equity fund delays!
  Communities harmed by the war on drugs can’t afford to wait any longer! Ask your legislator to pass the cannabis equity fund technical fix today!
• Advocates urge legislators to advance cannabis equity fund with technical fix and new investment in supplemental budget
  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.
• Guest Opinion: Black And Brown Cannabis Entrepreneurs Can’t Afford To Keep Waiting | Talking Joints Memo
  The investments and policy decisions we make now will have a lasting impact on whether we create a truly equitable industry.
• Guest Opinion: Where Is Mass Cannabis Tax Revenue Going? | Talking Joints Memo
  Are we equitably reinvesting cannabis revenue in communities harmed by the war on drugs?
• EON testifies in support of slate of statehouse cannabis equity bills
  The investments and policy decisions we make now will have a lasting impact on whether we create a truly equitable industry.
• Help launch the new frontier of cannabis equity in Massachusetts
  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?
• Statement from Equitable Opportunities Now! Co-Founder Shanel Lindsay regarding Cannabis Social Equity Advisory Board appointments
  “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.”