 Add Massachusetts to the list of states that are trying to help the cannabis industry succeed.
Marijuana Business Daily reported that the state Senate of Massachusetts unanimously passed reform laws which would crack down on the sky high fees some municipalities have been charging cannabis businesses. The measure would also give the state Cannabis Control Commission the authority to approve or reject the host community agreements which prospective cannabis businesses must sign before they can do business in those communities. Right now, municipalities have been allowed to collect up to 3% of a company’s gross sales to offset negative impacts. But most communities have demanded the maximum 3% without evidence of actual costs spent on so called negative impacts. Some communities have even pressured cannabis businesses make additional donations to their communities. David O’Brien, president of the Massachusetts Cannabis Business Association, told the Boston Globe, “Today’s vote is a positive step to rein in the lack of transparency and blatant overreach by municipalities who have padded their budgets by collecting outrageous ‘impact fees.’” As far back as 2018, the Cannabis Control Commission cited anecdotal evidence of municipalities imposing excessive fees on marijuana businesses, slowing the rollout of the recreational marijuana market. The State House of Representatives’ Speaker, Ron Mariano, said he pledges to pass a similar reform package in the state House of Representatives. From there, the House and Senate would need to agree on one final bill before it could be sent to Democratic Governor Charlie Baker for his signature. At this time, it looks like enough representatives are supportive, so hopefully this will be put into law soon. Comments are closed.
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