Thanks for your interest in EON’s recent media releases, advisories, and statements. Please direct media inquiries to Equitable Opportunities Now Co-Founder Shanel Lindsay.
- Statement from Equitable Opportunities Now! Policy Co-Chair Armani White regarding Cannabis Control Commission vote to remove social consumption pilot from Mass. regsThe 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 […]
- Social Consumption Pilot Program Public CommentsAfter more than five years and a significant new cannabis law addressing social consumption, now is the time to move forward with a comprehensive, equitable, safe, and healthy onsite consumption licensing and regulatory framework.
- 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.”
- Community leaders, advocates praise historic equity provisions in new cannabis law signed by Gov. Baker“Massachusetts made history with a nation-leading economic empowerment law when they legalized cannabis with Question 4, and nearly six years later, Gov. Baker and the Massachusetts Legislature have made history with this vital — and overdue — grant and loan fund,” said Equitable Opportunities Now Co-Founder and Question 4 Co-Author Shanel Lindsay.
- Equitable Opportunities Now, The Boston Foundation and other advocates praise compromise cannabis equity bill“Massachusetts made history with a nation-leading economic empowerment law when they legalized cannabis with Question 4, and nearly six years later, Legislators today made history with this vital — and overdue — grant and loan fund,” said Equitable Opportunities Now Co-Founder and Question 4 Co-Author Shanel Lindsay
- Gov. Charlie Baker calls cannabis equity bill “important,” says “I certainly hope it gets to my desk”Calling the bill “important” and repeatedly expressing his desire to have a bill on his desk before the end of session, the Governor referred to cannabis equity and local licensing reform as among the “key priorities” in the bill.
- Former Cannabis Control Chair Hoffman & Former Commissioner Title Urge Legislators to Fully Fund Cannabis Equity Grant & Loan Fund“..although Massachusetts led the nation by being the first state to require cannabis regulators like us to create economic empowerment pathways for communities most harmed by the war on drugs, we lag behind other states that have created, among other solutions, funds for small businesses to access capital. A final bill to create a fund for Massachusetts with 20% of excess tax revenue will help to level the playing field for our residents.”
- More than 20 community leaders call on legislative leaders, Conference Committee to fully fund cannabis equity program and pass reform bill before end of session“It is deeply troubling that none of the legislators of color in either chamber who championed these issues will be at the table to decide how accessible this new industry will be to local entrepreneurs of color and from communities most harmed by the war on drugs,” said Equitable Opportunities Now Co-Founder and Question 4 Co-Author Shanel Lindsay. “Now, the spotlight is on Senate President Karen Spilka, House Speaker Ron Mariano and conferees to deliver a bill that reflects their stated commitment to equity.”