WMass marijuana businesses share in $26M state grants

Businesses in Springfield, Holyoke and Northampton are among 180 getting shares of $26 million from the state’s Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund.

The Cannabis Control Commission provides free technical assistance through its own Social Equity Program. The program helps cannabis entrepreneurs in communities that have been disproportionately harmed by past marijuana prohibition. Grants range from $25,000 to $500,000 in four tiers based on whether the recipient has a license or is applying for one.

Companies in Tier 1 are just entering the cannabis industry and receive up to $25,000.