In 2016 residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts voted on Question 4 to legalize marijuana for recreational use. With 1,769,328 yes votes the measure passed with 53.7% of the vote in favor of legalization. Residents of the city of Holyoke voted in favor of legalization with 9,409 votes in favor of legalization. This vote would lead to a series of state laws and regulations all with the purpose to:
“control the production and distribution of marijuana under a system that licenses, regulates and taxes the businesses involved in a manner similar to alcohol and to make marijuana legal for adults 21 years of age or older. Its intent is to remove the production and distribution of marijuana from the illicit market and to prevent the sale of marijuana to persons under 21 years of age by providing for a regulated and taxed distribution system.” (Session Law- Acts of 2016 chapter 334)
The City of Holyoke follows the guidelines of the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The CC was established and is regulated by 935 CMR 500.00 or “St. 2017, c. 55, An Act to Ensure Safe Access to Marijuana, and M.G.L. c. 94G”
If you are interested in licensing any marijuana facility in Holyoke please review the City Ordinance for rules and regulations:
The City of Holyoke Code of Ordinances explains the application requirements and process in Appendix A Section 7.10.6.
Appendix A, Section 7.10.4 outlines the zoning regulations for all marijuana facilities. Stating that:
“7.10.4 Permitted districts.
a.IG Zones: any and all types of marijuana establishments may be allowed in the IG zones by special permit of the city council.”
To quickly check the zone of a property use MapGeo.
The City of Holyoke Department of Planning and Economic Development should be contacted for all interest in the Cannabis Industry in Holyoke.
To read the 2021 Cannabis Financial narrative Cannabis Financial Narrative (April 2022). This report provides an overview of the taxes and other fees generated for the city from the Cannabis Industry and gives a brief narrative of the impacts so far.
