I'm not sure what is the question you are trying to ask exactly, my apologies. All I am is a guy that watched dozens of friends and family members lose good paying jobs over the years as the manufacturers left MA, with no replacements, especially where I live. I'm in Springfield, MA. Where are the jobs promised? I'm not the only one that is asking that question. I've been waiting for 5 years now for even one dispensary to look out west and say "hey there, look at all the cheap, empty buildings in the Pioneer Valley". There is only one dispensary serving greater Springfield now, just one (Northampton,MA). And only recently has another dispensary decided to do business in the area (Holyoke,MA). When finished, it will only produce 200 lbs a week, or 10400 lbs annually. That's the salvation we were waiting for? Cmon, give me a break for real. Downtown Springfield was filled to the max with businesses and, the blocks of warehouses were as well. It's desolate now. The buildings are empty, and the only jobs available are medical, precision manufacturing, and retail/service jobs. The unemployment is still high, all the money is going to Boston. In the meantime, close to 700000 people have and will continue to scratch their heads from time to time, wondering when will this myth that is the so called "Green Rush" spill over into the valley.
So, if I sound bitter, it's out of frustration. And trust me when I say, that the lack of regulation, and allowing people to grow up to 12 plants with no questions asked has created a lot of problems. The cops here are busy trying to sort which of the hundreds of makeshift home operations are worth going after first. Don't believe me, than google marijuana massachusetts, click on the news tab, and read each and every news article depicting the real picture of what is actually happening. Also don't forget to check craigslist. Than head on over to Springfield MA and take a stroll. You won't be smiling, that's for sure.
So, where's the money? Where are the thousands of good paying jobs promised? Most jobs barely pay a few bucks above minimum wage. Why are the storefronts still empty?
Sorry if you may be offended by my comments. However, it is the truth, and when it's warm enough in a few months, I'm going to take a drive to the town hall in Freetown, and start asking questions, along with my friends that live in Providence, RI and Fall River, MA. We're not dumb, and we certainly aren't blind. And the snooping has only begun.
Show me a building, and the bring the jobs promised, and I'll publicly apologize, and be done with the million questions and comments. That's all I ask......
