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CCC to consider Milford company for first cannabis license Thursday

The green leafy plant and extract oil used to make medicinal cannabis is shown in this photo. A new study finds low doses of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, could dramatically improve cognitive function in older people.

BOSTON — Massachusetts’ Cannabis Control commission will vote Thursday on whether to award the state’s first recreational cannabis license to a business.

The commission’s agenda for its Thursday meeting shows they will make a recommendation for Sira Naturals. The Milford company hopes to be a cultivation facility and testing lab, of sorts, for other entrepreneurs hoping to test out their own products and strains.

The lack of bank loans for many cannabis entrepreneurs is what prompted Sira Naturals to launch its new program called the Sira Accelerator. The company will be taking applications from entrepreneurs who will gain access to the Milford facility's marijuana plants, premium cannabis oil and test kitchen.

Commissioners have been reviewing applications for the past few months and were allowed to begin licensing June 1, but have expressed an interest in moving slowly to ensure the process is completed responsibly.

The current law allows retail sales of recreational marijuana to begin on or after July 1, six months later than the Jan. 1 date in the original ballot question.

MORE: Incubating the green rush: Milford lab opens doors to cannabis entrepreneurs