Martha’s Vineyard Faces a Cannabis Crisis

VINEYARD HAVEN, Mass. (AP) — An 81-year-old woman drove up to Island Time dispensary last week, seeking her usual order of pot. Owner Geoff Rose had to turn her away; his dispensary had run out three weeks earlier.

Cannabis Crisis Looms

Martha’s Vineyard’s only other dispensary will exhaust its supplies by September, affecting over 230 registered medical users and thousands of recreational ones. The problem stems from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission’s stance against transporting pot across federal waters, leaving the island without sufficient supply.

Legal Conundrum

Despite the counterargument that routes within state waters should be legal, the commission’s policy has led Rose to file a lawsuit. The commission, now prioritizing the issue, sent three commissioners to Martha’s Vineyard to hear from residents directly.

State vs. Federal Regulations

This conflict between state and federal regulations echoes similar issues nationwide. California allows cannabis transport to Catalina Island, and Hawaii amended laws to facilitate inter-island medical marijuana transport.

Economic Challenges

Local dispensaries like Fine Fettle have stopped growing pot due to high costs and competition from the mainland, worsening the shortage. For residents, traveling to buy pot is costly and inconvenient, especially for medical users like Sally Rizzo, who rely on specific strains for health issues.

Community Impact

Rose, facing potential business closure, keeps his staff employed while seeking legal relief. Represented by Vicente, his lawsuit aims to challenge the commission’s inconsistent policies. Commissioner Kimberly Roy acknowledged the urgency, promising efforts to resolve the supply chain issues.

As the industry navigates evolving federal laws, Martha’s Vineyard remains hopeful for a swift resolution to its cannabis crisis.