'Economic Empowerment' Applicants — Mostly People Of Color — Face Obstacles In Pursuit Of Marijuana Licenses

As Massachusetts continues the process of issuing licenses for recreational marijuana shops, the state's Cannabis Control Commission is giving priority status to communities disproportionately criminalized for marijuana possession — such as people of color.

But in a new survey from the commission, many so-called "economic empowerment applicants" say they face obstacles in applying and negotiating with cities and towns. So far, only three economic empowerment applications have been submitted, compared to over 40 from medical marijuana dispensaries and around two dozen general applications.