The Medical Marijuana Act became law in 2016 and provides support to individuals living with various ailments. This law also created the process for both growers and dispensaries to assist patients, and it contains a provision that was intended to ensure diverse groups are given equal opportunity in the permitting process. However, this diversity goal has not been met due to multistate corporations dominating the Commonwealth’s medical cannabis industry. Small, diverse, and/or disadvantaged businesses have largely been prevented from competing for dispensary permits. 

 

To help meet these needs, I am introducing legislation that would require the Department of Health to annually reallocate all surrendered, revoked, or vacated permits to small, diverse, and/or disadvantaged businesses. This legislation will give these businesses the initial opportunity to compete for these permits. 

 

Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation to expand patient access to care and ensure all communities across the Commonwealth are given fair access to medical cannabis products.