Boston's Equitable Cannabis Ordinance gives priority review and reduced fees to economic empowerment and social equity applicants from areas of disproportionate impact, in addition to the statewide CCC programs under MGL Chapter 94G.
Boston enacted the Equitable Cannabis Ordinance in 2019 directing the Boston Cannabis Board to prioritize applicants who qualify as Economic Empowerment or Social Equity Program participants under the Cannabis Control Commission, especially those from Boston neighborhoods designated areas of disproportionate impact such as Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, and parts of East Boston. The ordinance requires that for every standard recreational license issued, BCB must pair it with a qualifying equity license where feasible. The CCC's 935 CMR 500 program handles state-level eligibility, including the Social Equity Program training, while Boston layers grant funds, fee waivers, and expedited Host Community Agreements.
Applicants who misrepresent equity status risk denial, revocation of a Host Community Agreement, and referral to the Cannabis Control Commission for license action under 935 CMR 500.
Boston, MA
Boston Zoning Code Article 88 requires cannabis establishments to sit at least 500 feet from any K through 12 school, measured property line to property line...
Boston, MA
Boston regulates cannabis retail establishments through the Boston Cannabis Board (CBC Ord. §8-13) and zoning approval by the BPDA. Dispensaries must be at l...
See how Boston's social equity licensing rules stack up against other locations.
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