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Cannabis Social Equity Fund Policy State Legislation What's Happening

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.

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Press Press Releases & Media Advisories

Cannabis equity advocates celebrate progress for grant & loan program in FY23 supplemental budget

“The law passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Maura Healey today 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.

“We appreciate all the work that Gov. Healey’s Administration has done in preparation for the launch of the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund and hope they will work quickly to roll out a simple, transparent, user-friendly application process as soon as possible.”

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Cannabis Social Equity Fund Policy Press Press Releases & Media Advisories State Legislation

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.”

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Event What's Happening

This #GivingTuesday: Double your impact with New Dia’s matching gift

This Giving Tuesday, your donation will have double the impact thanks to our Celebration of Equity Champions host New Dia Cannabis Co. offering to match gifts up to $3,000!

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Event Policy What's Happening

You’re invited to EON’s Celebration of Cannabis Equity Champions

Because you showed up and spoke out at our community regulatory review listening session, Cannabis Control Commissioners and staff showed up and listened. And they passed regulations that they — and you — should be proud of.

Now, it’s time to celebrate how far we’ve come! Please join me at EON’s Celebration of Equity Champions hosted by New Dia in Boston on Tuesday, December 19 at 6 PM.

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Cannabis Social Equity Fund Policy Press Press Releases & Media Advisories State Legislation

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.

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Cannabis Control Commission Event Municipal Licensing Equity Policy Press Press Releases & Media Advisories

Advisory: EON to host Virtual CCC Regulatory Review Listening Session on Thurs. 7/6 at 1 p.m.

All five Cannabis Control Commissioners, along with staff, are anticipated to listen to the community’s feedback and speakers will include leaders from EON and other advocacy organizations, Sen. Liz Miranda, Boston Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion Cannabis Business Manager Shekia Scott, and about a dozen entrepreneurs from communities harmed by the war on drugs.

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Cannabis Social Equity Fund News Coverage Policy Press State Legislation

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.

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Cannabis Social Equity Fund News Coverage Policy Press State Legislation

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?

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Cannabis Control Commission Cannabis Social Equity Fund Municipal Licensing Equity Policy State Legislation What's Happening

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.