Cannabis commission's program for War on Drugs casualties opens third round
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Union Station, home the Cannabis Control Commission's headquarters
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission opened applications for the third round of its Social Equity Program on Monday, during which it will provide four different track options for those who are accepted into the technical assistance and training initiative.
The program, intended to level the playing field in the state’s nascent cannabis industry, is open to applications who live in or are part of communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs, including children or spouses of someone who was convicted or faced charges which were continued without a finding under the state’s Chapter 94C drug laws, or an equivalent conviction in other jurisdictions.
Among other benefits, the program provides expedited license application review for those who complete it and maintain at least 10% ownership in their business. For those who maintain majority ownership of their business, benefits also include a series of significantly reduced or waived fees, as well as three years of exclusive access to some newer cannabis business license types.
Detailed eligibility is detailed on the regulatory body’s website.
Certain original owners on prior Economic Empowerment Priority Applicant certifications are also eligible to participate in the program under updated guidance from 2020.
The four tracks available through the program include an entrepreneur track for those seeking cannabis business licensure and company ownership, a core track for those interested in cannabis careers at the managerial level, an entry level track for those with less work experience and who are seeking to enter the field, as well as an ancillary track for those with skills directly transferable to cannabis businesses.
“We are really proud of the Social Equity Program, which has already provided more than 400 participants with access to high-quality training and support services that aim to expand opportunity in the industry and address the disproportionate harm done by the War on Drugs,” said CCC Executive Director Shawn Collins, in a statement.
Since its inception, the CCC has approved 99 Social Equity Program Participant licenses, including 49 delivery pre-certification applications, 43 provisional licenses and seven final licenses, including for five businesses that have opened up shop.
Applications for this round will remain open until Sept. 17. Application information is available on the CCC’s website.
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