Lawmakers in Massachusetts to discuss giving cannabis companies COVID-19 relief

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Massachusetts is preparing a measure that will pick up stimulus where the federal government stopped

States themselves are starting to take action to bring some aid to the cannabis industry that can’t seem to find support from the federal government. Massachusetts lawmakers will hold a virtual hearing today to discuss the possibility of establishing a new state-level coronavirus relief program, in which the cannabis industry and other companies servicing indirectly won’t be excluded. After many efforts made from several advocates and activists, the cannabis industry has not received a penny from the federal-level COVID-19 relief funds that have been announced in the last few weeks, nor was it included in the latest emergency bill sign during this coronavirus pandemic.

The meeting will be held by the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses where members will use Zoom to debate this bill. This bill’s sponsor is Chairwoman Diana DiZoglio, who presented the proposals to lawmakers last month. As Governor Charlie Baker has only allowed medical cannabis dispensaries to be essential and issued orders to close all adult-sales dispensaries, this proposal intends to help these business owners currently facing a financial crisis.

“It is hereby declared to be an emergency law, necessary for the immediate preservation of the public safety, health and convenience,” said a preamble of the bill. Since the bill was introduced, fifteen lawmakers more have signed the bill in support. If this proposal is enacted, a public agency will have the task of developing regulations within the following 30 days after the bill is approved. The language used in this bill does not talk about the cannabis industry per se; however, this industry is an example of a business than has been excluded completely from any federal relief.