Cannabis License Transferability - Listening Session

The Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion (OEOI) and Boston Cannabis Board (BCB) will host a listening session on cannabis license transferability on October 7, 2024 and open a public comment period from October 8 to October 29, 2024 to gather input on the transferability of cannabis licenses and its impact, particularly on equity applicants and businesses.

REGISTER FOR THE 10/7 LISTENING SESSION

License transferability refers to a license holder's ability to transfer or sell their license to another party, typically with regulatory approval. Currently, while transferability is permitted with approval, equity applicants face stricter limitations compared to non-equity license holders. These restrictions can create a disparity, locking equity applicants into long-term ownership without the same flexibility to sell or transfer their licenses as freely.

We recognize the importance of this issue and are committed to hearing your input and considering your suggestions. The City is currently exploring potential updates to the Ordinance Ensuring Equitable Regulation of the Cannabis Industry, originally passed in 2019 and amended in 2021. The goal of the listening session and public comment period is to ensure that any updates to the ordinance reflect your concerns while maintaining a balance between protecting the integrity of equity-focused regulations and providing flexibility for all license holders.

We invite you to participate in an in-person listening session and submit feedback during the public comment period regarding potential changes to the transferability provisions and current regulations.

Your input will help shape an ordinance that supports equity and sustainability within Boston's cannabis industry. 

REGISTER FOR THE 10/7 LISTENING SESSION