Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Braces for Reopening and Relief

Massachusetts lawmakers met virtually May 5 to discuss a bill that could provide much-needed relief to the state’s medical and adult-use cannabis industry. 

The hearing of the Joint Committee on Development and Small Businesses focused on a bill to establish a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) at the state level for companies that don’t qualify for federal assistance, such as cannabis businesses, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been detrimental to cannabis companies licensed to cultivate or sell through Massachusetts’ adult-use program because, unlike most other states, Gov. Charlie Baker did not deem adult-use retailers essential like their medical counterparts. Dispensaries have been closed since the shutdown orders took effect March 24. At the end of April, Gov. Baker extended the nonessential business emergency order to May 18.

Read the Full Story: https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/massachusetts-adult-use-covid-relief-bill/