Bill > H174

This bill modifies Massachusetts marijuana establishment licensing regulations by introducing new definitions and expanding the number of marijuana retail licenses a single entity can own. The bill defines new terms like "Person or Entity Having Direct Control" and "Person or Entity Having Indirect Control", which include owners, those with voting interests of 10% or more, close associates, and entities with significant financial or operational control over marijuana businesses. It increases the maximum number of marijuana retailers a single entity can control from 3 to 6, with a gradual implementation: 4 retailers after one year and 5 retailers after two years. The bill requires that any entity seeking to control more than 3 marijuana retailers must purchase an existing licensed establishment, with priority given to licenses owned by social equity businesses, minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, and veteran-owned businesses. This approach aims to provide a structured path for business expansion while supporting diverse and smaller marijuana businesses in Massachusetts, ensuring a more equitable market development strategy.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H174