Cannacrisis In Martha's Vineyard: Dispensary Supplies Near Empty As State Regulators Visit Affected Islanders

Martha’s Vineyard is on the verge of a cannabis shortage that could leave its over 230 registered medical users and thousands of recreational users without access. Geoff Rose, owner of the Island Time dispensary, was forced to close three weeks ago after exhausting all stock. The island’s only other dispensary, run by Fine Fettle, is projected to deplete its inventory by September.

Transportation Rules Spark Cannabis Lawsuit

The crisis stems from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission’s (CCC) stance on transporting cannabis over water. Despite Massachusetts' adult-use legalization in 2016 and the existence of available routes within state waters, the CCC maintains that transporting cannabis by boat or plane violates federal law. This stance led Rose to file a lawsuit against the CCC, urging the regulatory agency for an urgent solution. The commission, now prioritizing the issue, sent three of its five members to the island last Thursday to gather residents’ feedback, reported the Associated Press.

For years, Martha’s Vineyard dispensaries grew their own cannabis, avoiding transportation issues. However, Fine Fettle, the island’s sole commercial producer, plans to stop operations due to rising costs and market competition from the mainland. This has left dispensary owners and users in a difficult position, grappling with federal restrictions and the logistical challenges of securing cannabis supplies from the mainland.

Dispensaries And Users Ready To Challenge CCC In Court

Rose, joined by the Green Lady dispensary from the neighboring island of Nantucket, argues that the CCC’s policies are “arbitrary, unreasonable, and inconsistent.” They seek to overturn the ban on transporting cannabis over state waters. Furthermore, legal firm Vicente, representing Island Time, agreed to delay emergency action against the CCC, hoping for a settlement by June 12.

"We're cautiously optimistic that we'll be able to reach resolution, but if we can't, we'll be prepared to make the arguments in court," Vicente’s lawyer Adam Fine told AP.

Islanders Struggle With Cannabis Access

Meanwhile, obtaining cannabis from mainland dispensaries is impractical for island residents. Without local suppliers, medical users face significant hardships. “The nice thing about getting it at a dispensary is that you can tell them specifically what you're looking for, and know the milligrams, and know the potency, and what's in it,” said Sally Rizzo, Martha’s Vineyard resident and one of the affidavits supporting Rose’s lawsuit. 

Commissioner Kimberly Roy told AP that the magnitude of the problem was unforeseen and emphasized the commission’s commitment to finding a resolution.

Read also: DEA Ditches High-Level Federal Health Meeting On Cannabis Research: Another Expression Of Distaste For Cannabis Rescheduling?

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