Mass Equity Hub
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Equity Ain't Optional – It's Essential
Your street-smart guide to thriving in Massachusetts' legal cannabis industry. Get the lowdown on regulations, equity programs, and grants to build your empire.
Social Equity Program
The SEP is your ticket to the game – free training, fee breaks, and priority lanes for folks hit hardest by old laws. Plus, access to grants exclusively reserved for SEP participants. Sign up and own your future.
Eligibility Requirements
ONLY 1 must apply:
-
Disproportionately Impacted Area
Resided in a DIA with high cannabis arrest rates per capita for 5 of the last 10 years
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Income Requirements
Household income below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level
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Criminal Record
Arrested for a drug-related offense in Massachusetts
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Family Impact
Parent or spouse arrested for a drug related offense in Massachusetts
SEP Benefits
Fee Waivers
Waived application and license fees ( approx. value = up to $80,000 )
Priority Processing
Priority processing of applications
Exclusive Delivery Rights
Exclusive delivery rights until 2026
Free Training
Free business development training
Priority Access to Grants
Priority access to state grants (up to $500,000 available )
Exclusive Social Consumption Rights
Exclusive rights to operate social consumption events and spaces at least until 2029
Ready to Apply?
Complete our eligibility quiz to see if you qualify for the Social Equity Program
Eligibility → Details → Results
Secure Your Funding
Grants ain't handouts – they're fuel for your hustle. Learn the ropes, meet requirements, and secure that bag.
Program Overview
The FY25 Social Equity Grant Program distributed $26.5M to 181 equity businesses. These grants are designed to support entrepreneurs from communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition.
Key Requirements
- Majority ownership by EEP/SEP participants
- Business must be located in Massachusetts
- Compliance with all CCC regulations
- Commitment to community reinvestment
Grant Tiers & Awards
| Tier | Award Range | Business Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $25,000 | Pre-licensed |
| Tier 2 | $50,000 | Licensed, not yet operational |
| Tier 3 | $100,000-$250,000 | Recently operational |
| Tier 4 | $250,000-$500,000 | Established businesses |
Next Steps
The FY26 grant application period will open in Fall 2025. Subscribe to CCC newsletters to receive updates.
Resources & Support
Everything you need to navigate Massachusetts cannabis regulations and programs
Guidance Documents
Download official CCC guidance on social consumption and equity programs.
Video Resources
Watch educational videos from CCC on licensing and compliance.
FAQs
Answers to common questions about regulations and programs.
Contact Support
Still have questions? Our team is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Massachusetts Social Equity Program (SEP) was established to promote diversity in the cannabis industry by providing pathways for individuals from communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition to participate in the legal market through business ownership, employment, and training opportunities.
To qualify for the SEP, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Resided in a Disproportionately Impacted Area (DIA) with high cannabis arrest rates for 5 of the last 10 years
- Have a household income below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Have been arrested for cannabis-related offenses in Massachusetts
- Have a parent or spouse arrested for cannabis-related offenses
SEP participants receive several benefits including waived application and license fees (approximately $2,500 in value), priority processing of applications, exclusive delivery rights until 2026, free business development training, and priority access to state grants of up to $500,000.
The FY25 grant program has four tiers:
- Tier 1 for pre-licensed businesses ( $25,000 )
- Tier 2 for licensed but not yet operational businesses ( $50,000 )
- Tier 3 for recently operational businesses ( $100,000-$250,000 )
- Tier 4 for established businesses ( $250,000-$500,000 )
Ready to Take Control of Your Future?
Join thousands of equity entrepreneurs who are building successful businesses in Massachusetts' legal cannabis industry.