BOSTON (AP) — Marijuana regulators have approved several organizations to provide training and mentoring for startup cannabis companies that hope to be part of Massachusetts’ social equity program.
The program, billed as the first of its kind in the country, is designed to provide opportunities in the commercial marijuana industry for residents who live in low-income areas or were disproportionately affected by marijuana prohibition — including those with past drug convictions.
A total of seven organizations were chosen by the Cannabis Control Commissionto provide instruction, technical services and other guidance for social equity participants.
Massachusetts voters legalized the adult use of recreational marijuana in 2016. The state’s first pot shops are expected to open within the next few weeks.
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