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A Look Back at MRCC’s First Year in Legal Cannabis.

by Joe Gilmore

The picture above marks the beginning of a movement rooted in a collaborative effort to repair the damages caused by marijuana prohibition. All four founders derive from organizations like Students for Sensible Drug Policy and the Cannabis Cultural Association.  Together, the quartet organized communities to register voters, knock on doors, table on campus, and make thousands of phone calls urging voters to support the Yes On 4 Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol. On November 9, 2016, history was made; marijuana was legalized in Massachusetts.

Alright, we’ve legalized weed. Now what?

Most people hope to become part of the legal industry by acquiring some sort of cannabis business license. However, after the successful ballot initiative, legislators began showing signs of push-back against the will of the voters. Simultaneously, many towns began implementing bans and moratoriums. We realized the need for a group that would continue to fight for the cannabis community. In an emerging industry filled with corporate lobbyists and highly paid attorneys, who was going to ensure the people of Massachusetts had a seat at the table?

MRCC

In January 2017, the Massachusetts Recreational Consumer Council was established as a non-profit 501c(4). We went from “Social Justice Activists” to “Lobbyists For The People,” and pledged to actively connect the people of Massachusetts, aspiring cannabis businesses, and state and local legislators. Since MRCC’s formation, we’ve traveled around the Commonwealth informing communities about the changes in marijuana legislation, safe and responsible adult-use marijuana consumption, and the need for local participation to represent community interests. 

This past year, MRCC has participated in more than 20 speaking arrangements, hosted 8 events, and maintained complete audio and video coverage of Cannabis Control Commission and Cannabis Advisory Board public meetings. Through educational community events, we’ve been able to achieve a more transparent adult-use cannabis industry. Below are some of our favorite moments of 2017.

Top 10 MRCC Highlights from 2017

1.) “Beyond Legalization: Ensuring Sensible Marijuana Policy”

2017 SSDP International Conference: Portland, Oregon 3/26/2017

Proper regulations are vital for a successful legal cannabis regime. This panel featured leaders of organizations working to improve recreational cannabis legislation,  explored pitfalls and opportunities of existing regulations, and how individuals and corporations can play a role in influencing sensible marijuana policy.

2.) “Cannabis Freedom Run”

Cambridge 5k – Team MAconsumers: Cambridge, MA 6/4/2017

The annual Cambridge Freedom Run is usually sponsored by local craft beer companies. 2017 was the first year the race was sponsored by local cannabis companies. MRCC represented legal cannabis consumers in our state. We ran for “Freedom and Local Weed” to remove the “lazy stoner” stigma and encourage home grown, local canna-businesses, and education.

3.) “Kill the Bill”

MassCann/NORML press conference at the Massachusetts State House: Boston, MA 6/21/2017

The reason MRCC  was created can be seen in these pictures below. Shortly after the successful ballot initiative, legislators began showing signs of push-back against the will of the voters during the compromise bill conference committee between the House and Senate. MRCC will always advocate on the behalf of constituents who voted YES on 4.

4.) Home Grown Boston

Boston, MA 6/21/2017

Home Grown Boston is a meet-up for cannabis growers, edible producers, and marijuana consumers in Dudley Square. You can learn how to legally grow plants in your own home or share your growing experience with others.

5.) “Cannabis Unfiltered: Feminized”

TCProject: Boston, MA 8/22/2017

The Cannabis industry is set to boom in the next few years. We need to make sure women of color have the resources and information we need to take advantage of the new Marijuana legislation in MA.

6.) 2017 Boston Freedom Rally:

Boston Commons: Boston, MA 9/15/17

MRCC gave a brief summary on the co-operative section of the law as well as the process of municipality implementation through a set of two panels.

7.) “Know Your Laws, Responsible Marijuana Consumption”

UMass Boston: Boston, MA 10/25/2017

After a successful legalization campaign, marijuana is now legal for adult-use in Massachusetts. Do you know the new marijuana laws? MRCC and SSDP came together to present MA’s first marijuana educational campaign, Consume Responsibly Massachusetts

8.) “Still Human: Reord Sealing and Justice Reform in Massachusetts”

UMass Boston (Boston, MA) 11/20/2017

MRCC and SSDP came together for an educational event regarding record sealing for previous marijuana offenses and convictions. The panel speakers spoke about the developing CORI legislation and how the community can collectively work towards the humanization of formerly incarcerated individuals.

9.) “Still Human, #LobbyDay: A Call for the Humanization of the Formerly Incarcerated”

Massachusetts State House (Boston, MA) 12/7/2017

MRCC, Students for Sensible Drug Policy, the Coalition for Social Justice, and the Jobs Not Jails campaign rallied at the Massachusetts State House steps for criminal justice reform. We met our individual state representatives to encourage provisions in the developing criminal justice reform legislation. The more public support, the closer we’ll get to making marijuana expungement a reality in Massachusetts.

10.) “Growing Cannabis On The Farm”

Northeastern Organic Farmers Association: Amherst, MA 12/10/2017

This interactive workshop and networking event was for growers interested in cultivating cannabis using organic methods on their land. We covered all the basics to get you started on your path toward cultivating cannabis either on your own or as part of a cooperative.


These events helped bring awareness to local communities. We must work together as a community to create a safe responsible cannabis industry in MA.

We want to give a special shoutout to all of the incredible organizations MRCC has partnered with to accomplish our goal and our mission:

• Northeast Institute of Cannabis
• Ardent
• THC Staffing
• MCR Labs
• Proverde Labs
• New England Grass Roots Institute
• Healthy Headie Lifestyle
• EatMe.Land
• Roots Organics
• Green Matters Middleboro
• The Healing Rose
• VapeXhale
• Masscann/NORML
• Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance
• Massachusetts Growers Advocacy Council
• Cannabis Society
• 4Front Ventures
• Cannabis Community Care and Research Network
• Green Lion Partners
• Northeastern Organic Farmers Association, NOFA
• And so many more.

Thank you, it takes a community to make it happen. A special thank you to our advisors as well. We look forward to facilitating conversations and educating the public through more events and collaborations in 2018.

If you live in Massachusetts and are interested in becoming involved in your town’s local marijuana industry, contact us about being a Consumer Advocate in your town. You can reach us through Joe@Massreccouncil.com.

About the author:

Joe Gilmore, is lifelong resident of Boston, Massachusetts. He serves as the Director of Community Outreach for the Massachusetts Recreational Consumer Council. Joe works to engage community members who are interested in advocating for a safe and inclusive marijuana industry. He is employed as a patient care advocate at Garden Remedies, a medical marijuana dispensary in Massachusetts. As founder and President of Students for Sensible Drug Policy at UMass Boston, Joe mobilizes students to create educational events that facilitate conversations regarding compliance, safe and responsible marijuana consumption, and solutions to repair communities most harmed by marijuana prohibition. Joe spends his time working with MRCC promoting community involvement to help create an informed, well-regulated, and equitable cannabis industry.

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