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Community speakers press CCB on social equity, consumption lounges and affordability
Summary
Public commenters at the CCB meeting urged stronger social-equity programs, questioned industry priorities and affordability, and called for state-led community training and consumption-lounge strategies to curb the 'black market.'
Several public commenters used the board’s public‑comment periods to urge more active CCB engagement with communities and social‑equity programs and to voice frustration about the licensed cannabis market’s direction.
Ron Baker, who identified himself as representing the cannabis community rather than the industry, told the board he has tried for years to collaborate and bring innovation to the sector but felt “left with silence.” He criticized industry practices and asked, “Where’s the money going?” He said consumption lounges have not sustained local demand and argued social‑equity efforts amount to “just a liaison” rather than an operational program. Baker also said, “People want cheaper weed” and described an active black market for cannabis.
Later in the meeting the same speaker (identified as Ryan/Ron Baker in the record) returned to reiterate his grievances, saying dispensary parking lots were empty and the industry continues to decline. He urged the board to consider state‑run programs such as demonstration dispensaries or state‑run consumption lounges to help legacy operators meet regulatory expectations and compete with unregulated sellers.
The board acknowledged the public comments and directed staff to provide contact information for a staff member for follow‑up. No formal action was taken during public comment.
