The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission is set to vote on the state’s first adult-use cannabis cultivation license on Thursday, reports the Boston Globe. Thursday’s hearing is for Sira Naturals’ cultivation facility in Milford. Sira Naturals already grows cannabis at that location for its three existing dispensaries, but this license would be its first recreational grow.
“We’ve worked very hard to build a strong and professional business, and we are very gratified that the commission saw fit to take this step with us. That said, there are a lot of unanswered questions we’ll be helping to answer over the coming days and weeks.” — Mike Dundas, CEO of Sira Naturals, in the report
Should the Commission approve the application on Thursday, there will be a several-week delay for Sira Naturals’ facility to undergo inspections before the company can proceed with cultivation.
The procedures for an adult-use grow are still largely undefined and confusing in Massachusetts. One major hurdle is the state has yet to license any adult-use retailers — currently, there would be nowhere for Sira Naturals to sell their product. Other regulations for transferring cannabis grown under a medical license to an adult-use license are unclear as well.
The Executive Director of the Mass. Cannabis Commission, Shawn Collins, said the scheduling of Thursday’s vote was a major milestone for the end of cannabis prohibition.
“It’s an important day, but it’s also just another step in the process. We’re working around the clock to get towards getting these facilities evaluated and licensed. Whether that means [stores opening in] July or not remains to be seen. I’m optimistic we’ll get our part of the process done efficiently.” — Shawn Collins, via the Boston Globe