What is the Cannabis Control Commission?
It’s safe to say that the legalisation of cannabis is a bit all over the place in America. Federally, it’s still against the law to possess or consume. But on a state level, things are different.
Medical cannabis is legal in 33 states and the recreational use of cannabis is legal in 11. Massachusetts is one of those 11 states, so we take a look at how its Cannabis Control Commission is protecting user rights and access.
What is the Cannabis Control Commission?
The Commission has been created to protect the will of voters in Massachusetts. It aims to…
“safely, equitably and effectively” implement and administer the laws surrounding access to both medical and adult use marijuana. It works within the state to create a safely regulated industry that will benefit businesses and individuals alike.
In setting out a best practice industry model that could be followed by other states, the Commission also seeks to build a framework that improves employment and entrepreneurial possibilities.
How does it encourage full participation in the cannabis industry?
The Commission wants to involve the whole community within the industry and make sure its benefits are exponential. That’s why it focuses on full inclusivity when it comes to participation in the industry. Their policies and procedures are sensitive to communities that have previously been harmed by marijuana law enforcement and also focus on the needs of minorities, women and veterans.
Key principles
The Cannabis Control Commission is focused on becoming a world-class state agency, as well as ensuring public health and safety. This will be achieved in a number of ways including:
- Commiting to the highest level of constituent service
- Developing and enforcing effective regulations
- Contributing to research on marijuana related topics
The role of the Cannabis Advisory Board
The advisory board is responsible for studying the industry before making recommendations to the Cannabis Control Commission. These regulations focus on regulation and taxation within the state of Massachusetts.
They are charged with making recommendations about the cannabis industry, market participation, and public safety and community mitigation. Their research covers everything from cannabis cultivation to growing cooperatives amongst the wider community.
Cannabis social equity
The Cannabis Control Commission is working with six organisations to provide assistance to business owners based in communities previously hard by past drug laws. The combined effort involves advocacy and research groups, education groups, and a female-owned cannabis management business consulting firm.
These social equity programs have been developed based on evidence that certain geographic and demographic areas have experienced disproportionate rates of arrests and incarcerations for cannabis related activity. The Commission seeks to redress the harm that has been done and develop a more positive, inclusive community built around its cannabis industry.
Conclusion
The Cannabis Control Commission is looking to shape the industry within its own state in a way that benefits everyone. It is identifying opportunities, including marginalised parties, and contributing to ongoing and increasingly important research into the marijuana industry. By creating a commission and relying on the contributions of a board, Massuchesetts is setting an example that other states can follow in the future.
To find out more about the cannabis industry across the globe, make sure you follow The Leaf Desk.