Martha’s Vineyard Dispensary Resumes with Water Delivery

Island Time, a prominent adult-use and medical marijuana dispensary on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, has reopened its doors after a closure of more than six weeks. According to the Martha’s Vineyard Times, the closure was prompted by a severe lack of inventory.

Impact of Fine Fettle’s Closure

Geoff Rose, owner of Island Time, explained to MJBizDaily that the closure on May 14 was necessitated by the cessation of cannabis cultivation and production by Fine Fettle, the sole marijuana producer on Martha’s Vineyard. Fine Fettle announced its intention to permanently close by September, leaving Island Time without a local source of supply.

Transportation Challenges

Compounding the issue, Martha’s Vineyard, accessible only by sea or air, posed logistical challenges for receiving product deliveries while complying with Massachusetts’ Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) regulations.

Legal Action and Resolution

In response to the crisis, Island Time partnered with Green Lady Dispensary in Nantucket to file a lawsuit against the CCC. Their efforts led to a breakthrough when, on June 13, the CCC issued an administrative order permitting wholesale marijuana deliveries by ship, the primary mode of transport for goods to the island, as highlighted by Rose.

Relief and Community Support

The CCC’s decision came just in time for Island Time, which heavily relies on the summer tourism season for revenue. Geoff Rose expressed relief, noting the strain on his staff and the community’s concerns about resorting to illicit cannabis sources during the closure.

Public Engagement and Outcome

Rose emphasized the impact of community advocacy, including patient groups and dispensary staff, whose testimonials at a public meeting on Martha’s Vineyard underscored the urgency of the transportation issue to CCC officials.

“I think the commissioners really took that to heart,” Rose remarked, acknowledging the public outcry against potential risks associated with illicit cannabis markets.

Looking Ahead

With Island Time reopened, Rose looks forward to serving the community once again and addressing the ongoing challenges in the cannabis supply chain on Martha’s Vineyard.

This reopening marks a pivotal moment for both Island Time and the local cannabis industry, highlighting the intersection of regulatory challenges and community resilience in Massachusetts’ evolving marijuana landscape.