Dear Neighbors and Friends,
There’s been a lot in the news lately about the Massachusetts House & Senate’s bills to adjust and refine the November 2016 ballot initiative legalizing adult-use marijuana in the Commonwealth.
Last week, the Senate took up our version of the bill to legalize marijuana, which respected the will of the voters in regard to the governance structure, local control provisions, and a tax rate that pays for the regulatory work while keeping marijuana products accessible for adults and helping to eliminate the black market for them.
These were priorities??I heard from so many of you who called or emailed my office, filled out my online survey, or contacted me in the Fall when the ballot measure was first up for consideration — and I was proud to vote in favor of them.
The Senate also passed??four of my amendments to help those disproportionately affected by the failed War on Drugs share in the economic development opportunities of this new industry, and to make the marijuana regulation fairer. These amendments were also driven by feedback I heard from so many of you. These amendments included:
Ensuring that??criminal records for marijuana offenses that were previously crimes, but are now legal under this law are eligible for sealing.
Adding seats on the Cannabis Advisory Board for people who have experience in??minority- and women-owned business development, economic development strategies for under-resourced communities, criminal justice reform, and social justice, among others.
Directing the Cannabis Control Commission to provide??assistance funding for communities that host or are directly impacted by marijuana establishments.
Requiring the Cannabis Control Commission to prioritize industry licensure for applicants who demonstrate business practices that promote economic empowerment in communities disproportionately impacted by high rates of arrest and incarceration for drug offenses or who commit to reinvesting a portion of their revenues into these communities through job creation programs, community development grants, business loans, scholarships, and funding for legal counsel.
Click here to read more about the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus’ advocacy on equity and empowerment in the marijuana law. None of these victories would have happened without your dogged advocacy and commitment to justice in this legislation. As we expect the Conference Committee report any day now, know that your phone calls, emails, and direct contacts with your elected officials are key to making bold change happen.
Saludos, ?? ????????????????????
Sonia Chang-D??az
State Senator, Second Suffolk District