News / Cannabis Control Commission Recognizes Upcoming Consumer Holiday by Highlighting Work to Build an Effective, Equitable, and Safe Cannabis Industry in Massachusetts
For Immediate Release
April 18, 2023
Contact
Tara Smith
Senior Press Secretary
617-549-1166
Tim Caputo
Press Secretary
774-525-1507
Cannabis Control Commission Recognizes Upcoming Consumer Holiday by Highlighting Work to Build an Effective, Equitable, and Safe Cannabis Industry in Massachusetts
WORCESTER—In advance of April 20, a day that adult cannabis enthusiasts have long celebrated, the Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) will be sharing social media content reminding Massachusetts residents of ways we all contribute to an effective, equitable, and safe regulated cannabis industry. Running Tuesday, April 18 through Thursday, April 20, the campaign will feature content on the Commission’s Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram pages.
More than five years since the inaugural five Commissioners were appointed to regulate legal cannabis in the Commonwealth, marijuana has surpassed cranberries as the state’s top agricultural commodity. Adult-use Marijuana Establishments have surpassed $4.3 billion in gross sales since the first two adult-use Retailers opened their doors in November 2018. With this steady growth, the agency is highlighting how the Commission continues to work towards meeting the core tenants of its mission on April 20 and every day of the year.
Social media messaging will focus on the agency’s own efforts and collaboration with industry, municipalities, and other partners to regulate a marketplace that is “effective” on 4/18, “equitable” on 4/19, and “safe” on 4/20. It will also feature video interviews with Commissioners as they discuss priorities and hopes for the future, especially with new authority granted to the Commission by Chapter 180 of the Acts of 2022 and during the regulatory review period currently underway.
“The Commission is unwavering in our commitment to regulating a cannabis industry in Massachusetts that is effective, equitable, and safe,” said Commission Executive Director Shawn Collins. “This campaign will provide useful information to consumers, licensees, and the general public during a week when legalization is often celebrated. I am hopeful these resources will help keep residents safe on April 20 and give insight into our agency’s ongoing work.”
Any day of the year that adults consume cannabis, they are encouraged to heed the following laws and safety tips:
- It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase, possess, or consume adult-use cannabis in the Commonwealth.
- Giving or selling adult-use cannabis to minors may be treated as a crime.
- Consuming cannabis in a public place is prohibited, as is smoking it any place where smoking tobacco is prohibited.
- If you have marijuana or marijuana products in a household with children or pets, lock them away and keep them out of reach.
- It is unlawful to carry cannabis across state lines or federal borders.
- It is illegal to operate a vehicle while using cannabis or while impaired by cannabis. And, like alcohol, you may not have an open container of adult-use cannabis in the passenger area of your car while on the road or at a place where the public has access.
- Especially on April 20, but any time you are at risk of becoming impaired, leave your car at home. Use public transportation or a rideshare service instead of risking your life and others’ lives by driving.
- The impairment effects of edible marijuana may be delayed by two hours or more. Start low, go slow.
Additional consumer health and safety information is available on the Commission’s public education campaign website, MoreAboutMJ.org. For more information about the Commission’s social media campaign, contact the agency by emailing Commission@CCCMass.com or calling 774-415-0200.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a substance-use disorder, the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline is available online at https://helplinema.org/ and by phone at 800-327-5050.
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