Unlike traditional commercial retail, establishing a new adult-use cannabis facility requires community
engagement. Obtaining a Host Community Agreement (HCA) is a required step in the cannabis licensing
process that necessitates garnering support from local community members in the municipality where the
facility will be established.
From our experience running public affairs campaigns for cannabis facilities; we know some community
members feel strongly about adult-use cannabis. At Tenax Strategies, we like to be proactive and start
these conversations early, engaging with our proposed neighbors and the community as a whole.
Speaking to residents and hearing their concerns and ideas gives us an opportunity to learn from our
neighbors, as well as educate them about some of the common misconceptions regarding cannabis.
That way, when we’re ready to hold the official HCA meeting, we’ve properly addressed any issues that
might arise and are prepared for a transparent and educated discussion.
3 Common Myths About Adult-Use Cannabis Facilities
When local community members voice concerns based on preconceived assumptions, we work hard to educate them based on facts about adult-use cannabis facilities. Here’s how we respond to the top three myths we hear:
Myth #1: Traffic changes will harm the local community.
Local community members are typically wary that traffic patterns will increase in their neighborhood, and
while their concerns are reasonable; the traffic concerns from years ago when cannabis stores first opened
are mostly non-existent. The pandemic evolved the industry very quickly to online ordering. Customer
now spend very little time inside the store. The evolution in technology as well as the opening of
additional cannabis facilities has mostly eliminated any waiting lines, parking lot issues or traffic
concerns.
Additionally, when a local store is successful, the surrounding stores reap the fruits of their success. An
adult-use retail cannabis establishment attracts visitors which means surrounding stores will experience a
reciprocal uptick in revenue, as more people are likely to visit their stores as well.
Myth #2: Adult-use cannabis facilities cause disruptive behavior.
When we engage with the public, we often hear their concern that adult-use cannabis facilities will disturb
the peace. They’re worried that people will stumble out of the dispensary, start combusting cannabis, and
disrupt their streets.
While this behavior may be the case at bars and pubs, it’s simply not the same with adult-use cannabis
establishments.
The idea that people will become intoxicated at or around the facility itself is a misconception. We stress
to these concerned citizens that cannabis consumption is not permitted in the establishment or the
surrounding grounds.
Additionally, cannabis facilities are responsible for having on-site security cameras and a security team to
mitigate any chance of customers not following the rules.
Myth #3: Adult-use cannabis facilities attract the wrong crowd.
Because cannabis consumption is newly legal, the cannabis stigma still exists. Local community members
may voice their assumption that legal, adult-use cannabis invites the wrong crowd, but that’s far from the
truth.
In practice, typical Massachusetts adult-use cannabis consumers are middle-aged, upper middle-class
individuals who can afford the high taxes of legal, adult-use cannabis.
Unexpected Benefits of Adult-Use Cannabis Facilities
Engaging with community members isn’t just about addressing their misconceptions. It’s also a chance
for us to communicate the potential benefits they’ll receive from local adult-use cannabis establishments.
Beyond disproving myths, we like to provide people with proven reasons why adult-use retail cannabis
facilities are actually beneficial to their communities:
- Increased tax revenue. Adult-use retail cannabis brings an enormous increase in tax revenue.
Those extra tax dollars provide fantastic collective benefits for the community, like increased
public safety budgets and decreased need for a hike in property taxes.
- Upgraded local structures and facilities. Many adult-use retail cannabis sites are established in
poorly maintained commercial areas. Unlike other commercial establishments, adult-use retail
cannabis companies have the capital to beautify and rehabilitate the surrounding structures,
facilities, and landscaping. These retail facilities actually add value to nearby businesses by
improving curb appeal, which surrounding companies otherwise couldn’t afford.
If you’re hoping to start an adult-use retail cannabis facility and want to learn more about engaging with
the community and providing local benefits, Tenax Strategies is here to help. Contact us today !
The post The Truth Behind Common Myths About Adult-Use Cannabis Facilities appeared first on Tenax Strategies.
