Rearing Its Ugly Head Again: The Massachusetts Host Community Agreement

After Cannabis Control Commission public meetings were closed by protesters in December & January, the Commission announced a January 23rd public listening session to hear the state’s Social Equity and Economic Empowerment applicant’s concerns and frustrations with the current application and licensing process. Two issues battled for first place; a lack of transparency in the application review process and challenges securing a coveted Host Community Agreement (HCA). The HCA is the first step in the licensing maze. No HCA, no license. No kidding.