In Massachusetts, social equity advocates are pushing back against proposed changes to cannabis licensing laws that could favor larger companies. The state’s cannabis industry has been growing, but advocates are concerned that loosening regulations will negatively impact smaller businesses that are still trying to establish themselves in the market.
Currently, Massachusetts has 393 active marijuana retail shops, an increase from 356 in April 2024. There are also 211 retail permits pending, which could bring the total to 606 dispensaries statewide, according to the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission. In addition, the state has 144 growers and 119 manufacturers, with 291 potential new cultivators and 230 new manufacturers waiting for approval. This growth could see the number of operational cannabis businesses rise from 725 to as many as 1,842.
The legislature’s Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy will review eight bills on Wednesday that advocates fear may flood the market, leading to decreased valuations for small businesses. Organizations like Equitable Opportunities Now and the Massachusetts Cannabis Equity Council are urging their supporters to sign a letter to lawmakers, asking them to reject these bills. They argue that the proposed legislation is a tool for “large, politically connected operators” aiming to dismantle the state’s marijuana license caps to dominate the market.
According to Shanel Lindsay, the founder of Equitable Opportunities Now, if the interests behind these bills prevail, it could force small businesses out of the state. She warned that consumers would be left with “mediocre products from a few national chains.”
Among the bills being opposed are several key proposals, including H. 149, Act Related to Cannabis Retail Licenses, and H. 158, Act for Cannabis Market Modernization, which advocates claim would reduce license limits and prioritize larger businesses over smaller operators.
In contrast, the two organizations are supporting 11 measures that they believe would strengthen the cannabis industry. These include H. 183, Act to Increase the Cannabis Purchase and Possession Limits, and S. 84, Act to Create Cannabis Career Pathways for Justice-Involved Individuals. They argue these measures would better serve small businesses and promote equity within the industry.
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