Just in time for Black Friday, Massachusetts is set to open its first two cannabis retail stores this week. Devotees of the MMLG blog will recall that Massachusetts went fully legal back on July 1 of this year. And while the subsequent four or so months may have seemed like a long time, it is testament to the efficient planning and expediency of Massachusetts officials that retail locations are opening so quickly. So what should you know as a potential plant-touching business owner in the Bay State? Let’s take a look.
Massachusetts Recreational Cannabis Licenses Are Going to Medical Licensees First
State-licensed medical marijuana operators are getting preferential treatment. This mirrors what other states have done with the licensing process and it makes sense. Medical licensees have the operational infrastructure and proven competency that state officials are expecting for adult-use licensees. As the market expands, the expectation is that more licenses will be doled out to those who meet the Commission’s rigorous criteria.
The Cannabis Control Commission Is Processing A Huge Number of Applicants
The CCC is currently processing at leaast 180 applications for operations, cultivation, distribution and retail licenses. That is a lot. Massachusetts has been extremely thorough in their background checks and scrutinizing of business models. This is wisely by design and it means a better marketplace for consumers and business owners. Unfortunately, it also means that this is gonna take some time to completely on-board. We get it (we also work in California’s plant-touching scene), but business owners should be aware of the possibility of a long on-boarding cycle. Have questions about licensing or compliance in the Bay State? We’re here to help.
Social Equity In Adult-Use Marijuana In Massachusetts Needs Attention
The Boston Globe pointed this out over the weekend, but it bears repeating: many of the medicinal licenses are wealthy and white. As you’re likely aware, minorities have been arrested on marijuana charges at a disproportionately high rate not only in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts but across the country. Fortunately, the CCC has an entire section on their website about its social equity program and the qualifying criteria.
This Is A Huge Opportunity for Massachusetts and the USA
Massachusetts is the first state east of the Mississippi River to have an adult-use recreation market. Cannabis, as shown in states such as Colorado, California, Washington and more, creates revenue and jobs. With Michigan’s voters passing recreational marijuana earlier this month, and with New Jersey legislatures set to vote later this month, November 2018 could be a watershed moment in the history of cannabis in the USA.