Those who say they have used or purchased marijuana are slightly more likely to support the sale of the hemp-based products outside of the dispensary system, but more say they still want it to be limited to dispensaries. A substantial majority – 65 percent of respondents – said that legalizing marijuana broadly was the right thing to do in the state.
Marijuana
After long delay, cannabis social equity fund starts up
The Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund was signed into law in 2022 to steer a portion of marijuana tax revenues to “entrepreneurs from communities that have been disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement.” The fund sat empty for many months, largely because of the way the law was drafted.
About those beverages with THC from hemp
Hemp and marijuana are both the same cannabis plant, but with the key distinction that hemp is federally legal and marijuana is not.
Healey makes history with marijuana mega-pardon
Healey said her move makes Massachusetts “the first state to take action” since President Joseph Biden in 2022 asked the nation’s governors to follow his lead on pardoning simple cannabis possession convictions.
THC-infused hemp products getting Beacon Hill’s attention
The products are technically illegal in Massachusetts, but neither the Agricultural Department, which regulates hemp, nor the Department of Public Health, which regulates food products, has stepped up with any enforcement. The agencies have left that job to under-resourced local boards of health which have taken no action.
O’Brien’s lawyer says he’s ‘unaware’ of probe behind subpoena report
A lawyer for suspended cannabis regulator Shannon O’Brien said he’s not aware of any federal investigation into his client and has not the subpoena that the Boston Globe reported was sent to state officials last fall.
Lawyer for Goldberg says O’Brien appeal delayed sharing results of new investigation
There’s been a delay in handing the results of second probe of her conduct to suspended cannabis commission chair Shannon O’Brien because of a new appeal O’Brien filed.
Hemp-based THC products are showing up all over
The reason hemp is treated differently is because the 2018 federal Farm Act removed hemp from the definition of marijuana, which is considered a controlled substance under federal law.
Judge sides with Goldberg in dispute with O’Brien
A state judge sided with Treasurer Deborah Goldberg in her dispute with Shannon O’Brien, ruling that the suspended cannabis commission chair is not entitled to the public, name-clearing hearing she has been seeking.
Creating opportunities for those most impacted by the war on drugs
A legislative update enacted last year may provide the greatest opportunity for individuals directly impacted by the war on drugs.