SPRINGFIELD — Extortion. Bribery. Pure idiocy.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission is letting such violations happen in agreements between cities and towns and marijuana companies, and risking a lawsuit, said an official with a marijuana industry advocate Wednesday.
The commission should intervene and reject host community agreements in which cities and towns force prospective marijuana companies to provide compensations in the form of money and job promises that exceed the law, said Peter Bernard, president and director of the Massachusetts Grower Advocacy Council (MGAC).
“Some of it is just disgusting,” Bernard said.
The MCAC is reviewing how it can file a petition to protest the commission’s lack of action on host community agreements as a first step but also is soliciting donations to fund a lawsuit against the state agency.
Read More: ‘Pure idiocy’ on marijuana pacts means Massachusetts must act: industry advocate | masslive.com