Massachusetts approves cannabis supply with equity focus

Michigan consumers have even more options to buy cannabis with the introduction of a new license type for marijuana companies recently announced by state regulators. And in response to calls for a more inclusive cannabis industry in Massachusetts, the new supply licenses will only be available to applicants who have participated in the state’s social justice and economic empowerment programs for at least three years.

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission announced on May 28 that economic empowerment applicants and participants in social justice programs are eligible to apply for pre-certification and licensing as marijuana suppliers. The new licenses were approved last year after a public hearing and public comment period showed strong support for the cannabis industry’s opportunities, reserved for members of underserved communities and those affected by the war on drugs.

“The availability of the marijuana delivery operator license is a key development in the agency’s continued commitment to ensuring meaningful participation in the legal industry for those disproportionately affected by a previous marijuana ban, as well as efforts to combat the unregulated Cannabis delivery across the Commonwealth, ”the CCC wrote in a statement from the regulator.

Companies licensed as marijuana suppliers are allowed to purchase cannabis products from breeders and manufacturers to deliver to customers’ homes. These companies operating under the license type must adhere to the customer verification processes and security regulations established by the CCC.

“I applaud the commissioners, staff and members of the public who introduced this license type and worked hard to streamline the application and make it as accessible as possible,” said CCC Managing Director Shawn Collins. “Our delivery policies and procedures will only strengthen Massachusetts’ reputation as a role model for states seeking justice to legalize cannabis and maintain public safety.”

Massachusetts is working on a more inclusive cannabis industry

Aaron Goines, president of the Massachusetts Cannabis Association for Delivery, told local media that the new license for marijuana suppliers creates the conditions for participation in the state’s regulated marijuana industry.

“The publication of this application is an important step in recognizing the inflated barriers that many people of color and disenfranchised face when it comes to starting a cannabis business,” said Goines. “This license type is an important part of the equation in making the Massachusetts cannabis industry more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.”

In May 2020, the CCC announced the creation of licenses for marijuana couriers (formerly known only as delivery services) that would allow operators to deliver orders from adult cannabis dispensaries and medical marijuana treatment centers. The new marijuana delivery operator license enables licensees to source and store products for delivery once an order is placed from a customer.

The CCC noted in its announcement that 122 certified economic empowerment applicants and nearly 400 social justice participants are eligible for the delivery licenses. These applicants are only granted delivery licenses for at least three years. The agency also noted that it had approved one final and seven provisional licenses as a marijuana courier.

The first license was awarded to Freshly Baked, a social justice and micro-business applicant with a delivery promise. The company is owned by Jenny Roseman and Philip Smith, both military veterans using cannabis to find relief from PTSD.

“After cannabis you could have a life again. If you were scared, you weren’t as scared, ”Roseman said in January. “It just allows you to be your best self as a drug, which is incredible.”

Smith and Roseman campaigned for micro business licenses and delivery services to be created so more people can enjoy the benefits of cannabis.

“The delivery is very special to us,” said Smith. “We know it’s very lucrative, but for Jenny and me a lot of it is really access based, and making it available is the best way to get people access.”