Massachusetts marijuana delivery license applications on track to launch in May, reserved for economic empowerment and social equity applicants

Massachusetts marijuana companies are getting closer to being able to offer delivery of retail cannabis, as some state regulators on Thursday said they believe delivery is a priority during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

But one commissioner said she was concerned about the safety of delivery amid the pandemic.

The application for a delivery license is expected to be released on May 28, Cannabis Control Commission Executive Director Shawn Collins said during the commission’s meeting on Thursday, which was live-streamed and held virtually.

For at least the first two years, the licenses, which are for third-party delivery of adult-use marijuana, will be reserved for social equity and economic empowerment applicants. Those programs are for businesses owned by minorities, people with drug convictions and people who have lived and worked in communities that were disproportionately affected by marijuana prohibition.

Commissioner Jennifer Flanagan said she was apprehensive to have delivery licenses move forward in the middle of the pandemic.

“I’m uncomfortable with the timing of it,” Flanagan said. “I really think we need to take into account what’s going on at the time that this starts to happen. [Read more at MassLive]