State and Local Government

• Municipalities Roles and Responsibilities
• Municipal Zoning Tracker

Host Community Agreements

These agreements establish the terms and conditions under which a cannabis business operates within a community, including outlining any community impacts, public benefits, or mitigation measures. Municipalities and Applicants for Licensure enter into these contracts on their own accord and submit them to the Commission with the Application for Provisional Licensure in the Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Portal (MassCIP).

• Guidance on Host Community Agreements
• Model Host Community Agreement Template
• Host Community Agreement Waiver Form
• Host Community Cannabis Business Application Standard Evaluation Form

Community Impact Fees

Community Impact Fees allow municipalities to offset costs associated with hosting cannabis establishments. Municipalities are required to document and explain how these costs are reasonably related to the operation of the Marijuana Establishment in the municipality. These costs may be submitted for reimbursement to the Marijuana Establishment and the Commission using the Community Impact Fee Invoice Form and are capped at a total of 3% of the establishment’s gross sales.

• Guidance on Community Impact Fees
• Community Impact Fee Invoice Form for Municipalities

Municipal Equity

Municipalities in Massachusetts must adopt local equity provisions to promote opportunities in the cannabis industry for people and communities who were disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition. These requirements may include prioritizing licensing or permitting for Social Equity Program participants and Economic Empowerment Priority applicants, fostering local business participation, and addressing disparities in access to the industry. Please note that Host Communities must adopt local rules or bylaws to comply with 935 CMR 500.181(3) and 501.181(3) on or before May 1, 2024.

• Overview of Municipal Equity
• Guidance for Municipalities on Equity and Industry Participation
• Model Municipal Equity By-Law or Ordinance Template