Cannabis could transport by boat on the East Coast
Nova Farms, a privately owned, vertically integrated cannabis operator, announces its initiative to transport cannabis to the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
Nova Farms will be one of the first companies to transport cannabis by boat to the islands. This historic initiative comes as Nova Farms races to address critical supply shortages that have plagued the islands’ dispensaries, threatening both the local economy and access to medical cannabis for patients.
In recent months, Martha’s Vineyard has experienced a severe cannabis shortage, coinciding with the influx of thousands of summer vacationers. One dispensary temporarily closed in May due to lack of supply, and another was on the verge of closure by September. The state CCC intervened by issuing an administrative order allowing the transport of cannabis to the islands, marking a pivotal moment for the region’s cannabis industry.
Derek Ross, CEO of Nova Farms, emphasized the urgency of the situation in a recent press release. “The supply issues on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket have placed an enormous burden on the medical community. When the local supply dissipates, it not only threatens patients’ access to essential treatments but also drives up prices, making it difficult for residents and visitors alike to afford the products they need,” Ross said.
The new regulations now enable Nova Farms to step in and ensure a steady supply of cannabis, restoring normalcy to the island’s dispensaries and providing much-needed relief to over 230 registered medical users and thousands of recreational consumers.
“We are thrilled to be at the forefront of this significant advancement,” Ross said. “Our team has worked diligently to outfit a vessel that complies with state guidelines, ensuring that our cannabis products are transported safely and legally within state territorial waters. This initiative not only supports the local economy but also enhances the overall experience for both residents and visitors to these beautiful islands.”
The new transport capabilities will alleviate these pressures by providing a consistent supply of cannabis products to the islands, ensuring that both medical patients and recreational consumers can access safe, tested cannabis. Nova Farms’ swift action in outfitting a compliant vessel underscores the company’s commitment to meeting the needs of these communities while setting a precedent for future cannabis transportation along the East Coast.
As Nova Farms leads this historic charge, the company remains focused on its mission to support the communities it serves. By providing reliable access to cannabis products, Nova Farms is helping to stabilize the local market, support the medical community, and ensure that both residents and visitors to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard can access cannabis legally and affordably.
About Nova Farms
