Public Hearing Notice  Executive Office of Economic Development Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund Public Hearing - 1.12.24

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws chapter 30A that the Executive Office of Economic Development (“EOED”) will hold a virtual public hearing relative to the adoption of a new regulation, 400 CMR 8.00, entitled “Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund.” (“Regulation”).

Section 14A of Chapter 94G of the Massachusetts General Laws (“Authorizing Statute”) establishes the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund (“Trust Fund”) to encourage the full participation in the Commonwealth's regulated marijuana industry for entrepreneurs from communities that have been disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement. The Authorizing Statute requires EOED to administer the Trust Fund by making grants or loans to eligible applicants and to promulgate regulations that govern the structure and administration of the Trust Fund.

Testimony

Verbal testimony will be accepted at the hearing. Written comments will be accepted from December 22, 2023 until 5:00 pm on Friday, January 12, 2024 and may be submitted via email to Robert.McGovern@mass.gov or mailed to: Robert McGovern, Executive Office of Economic Development, 1 Ashburton Place, Room 2101, Boston, MA 02108.  Copies of the proposed regulations may be obtained from the EOED website available at https://mass.gov/regulations/400-CMR-800-cannabis-social-equity-trust-fund