Residents of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Demand Change in Cannabis Transport Laws
Attention all islanders! The residents of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are speaking out about the need for a change in cannabis transport laws. And it looks like their voices have been heard.
Thanks to the efforts of the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), a new rule has been put in place that allows for the transportation of cannabis products across the waters of Vineyard Sound. This change, which went into effect on June 14, is a major victory for the islands’ 500 medical and adult-use cannabis consumers, as well as the limited cannabis business owners who have set up shop there.
According to CCC Commissioner Bruce Stebbins, this change is “a very important step” in ensuring patient access and combatting the illicit market on the islands. “Patient access has always been a priority,” said Stebbins. “And combatting the illicit market – making sure it does not affect Nantucket and the Vineyard – is also critical.”
Island Time Dispensary Owner Praises CCC’s Action
One of the medical cannabis dispensaries on Martha’s Vineyard, Island Time, is owned by Geoff Rose. He was quick to praise the CCC for taking action and providing equity for operators on the island. “Today is a great day in providing equity for operators on the island,” he told the Boston Globe. “I appreciate the efforts of the CCC commissioners and staff to address this very important issue – one that has been long overdue for attention.”
Rose also took to social media to share his excitement about the change. In a video, he said, “It came down to the wire, but the Cannabis Control Commission has taken action to preserve cannabis on Martha’s Vineyard by authorizing the transport of products from the mainland. The outpouring of local support at the commission’s public meeting last week was evident. Patients, patient advocates, an authorizing physician, and dispensary staff really articulated the crisis and the impact on patients and customers. This is a win for the Vineyard community that will result in new products, greater choice, and greater value.”
He also announced that Island Time will be reopening within a few days, although an official opening date has not been set.
The Struggle for Cannabis on Martha’s Vineyard
The struggle for cannabis on Martha’s Vineyard began in May when the island’s only cannabis production license holder, Fine Fettle, announced it would be closing. “Very sadly, we have had to make the decision to slow down and then ultimately shut down operations on the Vineyard,” said president Benjamin Zachs. This left Island Time without a source of legal cannabis products to sell, as Fine Fettle was the only source of production on the island.
With transporting cannabis products via boat being illegal at the time, Rose turned to the CCC for help. However, the agency initially rejected the idea, citing federal jurisdiction over the waters between Martha’s Vineyard and Massachusetts.
But thanks to the persistence and advocacy of the island’s residents, the CCC has now changed its tune and allowed for the transport of cannabis products via “sea worthy vessels.” This is a major win for the Vineyard community and will ensure that patients and customers have access to legal cannabis products. Let’s raise a glass of kombucha to that!
