Boston Cannabis Board

Despite well-intended measures aimed at promoting greater racial and social equity in Boston’s burgeoning cannabis industry, several city regulations are stifling the ability of Black and Hispanic-owned cannabis businesses to thrive.

Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards held a hearing July 6 on two ordinances that mainly bring zoning decision-making for marijuana businesses under the authority of the Boston Cannabis Board (BCB), which was created in 2019 to facilitate the licensing of these businesses and maintain equity during the process.