Boston's First Cannabis Dispensary Opens Under State Economic Empowerment Program

Uncategorized 2026-07-22 clip6230 · Meeting of July 22, 2026

Boston opens its first recreational cannabis dispensary as Pure Oasis prepares to welcome customers Monday on Blue Hill Avenue in Grove Hall. Co-owners Kobe Evans and Kevin Hart joined Mayor Martin Walsh, Cannabis Control Commission Chair Steve Hoffman, and Police Commissioner William Gross Tuesday at a pre-opening press event marking the launch of the state's first economic empowerment cannabis operator. Walsh, who acknowledged opposing the 2016 ballot question that legalized recreational marijuana, said Boston is "the first city in the United States of America to formally prioritize diverse applicants" and announced five new appointments to the city's Cannabis Board earlier in the week.

Hoffman said the commission has granted 20 social equity and economic empowerment licenses statewide but pressed the legislature to give the commission enforcement authority over host community agreements, calling outsized municipal fees a key barrier to equity applicants. Evans and Hart said they held two community meetings before opening and have installed dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones and new crosswalk markings on Blue Hill Avenue to manage anticipated first-day crowds.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 1,616 words

Source: the Uncategorized 2026-07-22 clip6230 meeting of July 22, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.