Amendment ID: S2722-10

Amendment 10

Protecting Competition and Social Equity

Ms. Miranda, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Payano and Collins, Ms. Kennedy and Messrs. Montigny and Eldridge move that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 51 the following section:-

“SECTION 52. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the Massachusetts cannabis control commission shall establish procedures and policies necessary to ensure that any application for the acquisition or issuance of a fourth or subsequent marijuana retailer license, whether adult-use or medical, may not be approved unless the commission makes written findings that such acquisition or issuance will not materially diminish competition or significantly contribute to market consolidation; is consistent with the Commission’s statutory mandate under chapter 94G, section 4(a½)(iv) to promote and encourage full participation in the regulated marijuana industry by people from communities disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition and enforcement, and to positively impact such communities; and will not materially and adversely affect the operations, revenues, or viability of any Social Equity Business, as defined in 935 CMR 500.002, located within a five-mile radius of the proposed license or acquisition. For the purposes of this section, “acquisition” shall include but not be limited to any direct or indirect change in ownership, control, or financial interest as defined by Commission regulations. The applicant shall bear the burden of demonstrating, by clear and convincing evidence, that the proposed acquisition or issuance satisfies the requirements of this section.”