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Controversy over pot delivery continues in Mass.

BOSTON — The Cannabis Control Commission is delaying delivery licenses for adult-use marijuana after opposition from lawmakers and the Massachusetts Municipal Association. At a virtual rally Monday, pot delivery industry advocates cried foul.

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Home delivery is covered under the medical marijuana law. Last month the Cannabis Control Commission approved a policy that would create two types of delivery licenses: a “marijuana delivery operator,” with the ability to buy products wholesale and sell them on their own, and a “marijuana courier,” where the operator could charge a fee to make deliveries from retailers and dispensaries.

“Delivery was always intended to be a license type,” Ardent Life CEO Shanel Lindsay told attendees. “It was concluded in the original regulation and at that time we were told it’s not the time.”

Supporters say delivery-only licenses will help level the playing field for those who can’t afford large operations and allow more licensees of color to enter the market at a lower cost. Opponents say the new regulations undermine the intent of the recreational marijuana law.

“We have to be better than the resistance and fight harder. Because unfortunately there’s a tide that’s pushing against the progress that needs to be made,” said Kobe Evans, the co-owner of Pure Oasis LLC.

Last month a bipartisan group of lawmakers issued a letter to the commission saying the draft regulations may also result in unintended consequences to their municipalities.

The Massachusetts Municipal Association said they were unavailable for comment. The CCC scheduled a hearing specific to delivery for November 30.