The unchecked expansion of recreational cannabis legalization in southern Berkshire County, driven by an overemphasis on tourism, has had a devastating impact on the region’s long-standing, multi-generational communities. The proliferation of cannabis dispensaries and the pervasive smell of marijuana have transformed once-quiet neighborhoods into commercial hubs, eroding the … [Read more...] about Cannabis and tourism have destroyed the Berkshires
Massachusetts
By dessert ‘You’re in outer space’: Chef Matthew Brehm caters multi-course cannabis-infused meals in the Valley
Chef Matthew Brehm plates a course of handmade fresh stringozzi pasta with chard broccolini, Fresno chili pepper, fried shallots, and Parmesan “canna-butter.” STAFF PHOTO/CAROLYN BROWN Chef Matthew Brehm takes photos of the dessert course, a “chocolate-canna lava cake,” inspired by a Joël Robuchon recipe, with wild berry sauce, candied walnuts, a “canna-cookie,” vanilla gelato, … [Read more...] about By dessert ‘You’re in outer space’: Chef Matthew Brehm caters multi-course cannabis-infused meals in the Valley
Massachusetts celebrates ‘pivotal chapter’ of cannabis industry maturation
A new report from Massachusetts cannabis regulators described the past fiscal year – July 2023 to June 2024 – as a “pivotal chapter” for the maturation of the marijuana trade in the state, citing ever-increasing sales records, new social equity developments and upcoming social consumption business licenses. The annual report, issued by the state Cannabis Control Commission, … [Read more...] about Massachusetts celebrates ‘pivotal chapter’ of cannabis industry maturation
Cannabis businesses are surrendering licenses at an increased pace in Mass.
The rate at which cannabis businesses are surrendering licenses has picked up rapidly in the past year as the industry faces economic and regulatory headwinds. Since last September, four retail licenses have been either surrendered, not renewed or revoked. In the entire five years since the legal cannabis industry sparked up in Massachusetts prior to September 2023, just five … [Read more...] about Cannabis businesses are surrendering licenses at an increased pace in Mass.
Cannabis commission set to ease up on Massachusetts delivery rules
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission is poised to vote later this month on regulations that would finally put into motion policy changes they agreed to last year, and which struggling cannabis delivery businesses say would make a big difference to their bottom lines. The commission voted in December to change a rule that requires two employees to travel in cannabis … [Read more...] about Cannabis commission set to ease up on Massachusetts delivery rules
Fire at Webster duplex started in illegal cannabis growing room, officials say
A house fire in Webster on Friday morning was caused by an overloaded power strip in an illegal marijuana grow room, according to State Fire Marshal Jon Davine’s office. Investigators found that the fire began in a second-floor room, which was filled with multiple cannabis plants. A power strip powered lights, fans and other electrical devices, Davine’s office said in a … [Read more...] about Fire at Webster duplex started in illegal cannabis growing room, officials say
Up to $25 million in grants open up for social equity cannabis businesses
Minority-owned cannabis businesses are eligible for up to $500,000 apiece in grants from the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund, a state-funded pot that redistributes 15 percent of marijuana sales taxes to entrepreneurs from communities disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs. Both aspiring marijuana licensees and existing operators that hold the state’s social equity or … [Read more...] about Up to $25 million in grants open up for social equity cannabis businesses
Marijuana company to pay $350,000 after Holyoke employee’s death
A marijuana company will pay $350,000 in a settlement with the state’s Cannabis Control Commission after an employee who worked at a cultivation site in Holyoke died of an asthma attack. Trulieve, which closed its three Massachusetts dispensaries last year and no longer operates in the state, is a Florida-based cannabis company with dispensaries in nine states. OSHA previously … [Read more...] about Marijuana company to pay $350,000 after Holyoke employee’s death
What the chaos inside the Mass. cannabis commission means for the rest of us
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission has a big job overseeing the state’s legal marijuana industry. Recreational cannabis recently passed $6 billion in total sales, and it’s now the state’s most valuable cash crop — raking in even more than our iconic cranberries.But lately, the commission has made headlines for other reasons.It started last summer, when commission … [Read more...] about What the chaos inside the Mass. cannabis commission means for the rest of us
Cannabis companies could see millions more in state social equity funds
Dozens of cannabis entrepreneurs were buoyed last month by the announcement of more than $2 million in grant funding from a unique state program for business owners from communities most affected by strict drug prohibition. Millions more may soon follow. The grants represented the first money released from the state’s Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund, which channels money … [Read more...] about Cannabis companies could see millions more in state social equity funds
