The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission will accept public comment on a series of proposed regulatory changes until 5 p.m. on Friday, including a proposal from former commissioner Kay Doyle to begin dismantling the vertical integration requirement for medical treatment centers.
Currently, state law requires all medical marijuana companies to be vertically integrated, which makes starting a medical marijuana company significantly more expensive than starting a recreational cannabis company, the latter of which aren’t required to be vertically integrated. Ostensibly, removing the requirement could make it easier for smaller medical marijuana companies to edge their way into the industry.
Operational medical marijuana companies are also, under Mass. law, given priority status when applying for recreational licenses. Because they are already required to have more money to get off the ground — enough to at least cover vertical integration — this has inadvertently provided an advantage for large corporations to saturate the recreational market.Â
Doyle’s proposal would allow vertically integrated medical marijuana companies to apply for cultivation, manufacturing and retail endorsements, potentially allowing medical marijuana companies to work within one or two parts of the industry, if they so choose.
Other regulatory proposals would alter the definition of persons or entities with control over companies, allow for certain brand sponsorships, and permit certain out-of-state patients receive medical marijuana treatment in Massachusetts.Â
The commission held a public hearing on Aug. 3. It will accept emailed and written testimony until 5 p.m. on Friday. A final vote on the proposed changes is slated to take place on Sept. 24.
