The West Tisbury select board unanimously approved the transfer of one of Martha's Vineyard's two marijuana dispensaries from Fine Fettle to Black Harbor Group. Fine Fettle, operating along State Road since 2021, faced closure after halting cultivation in May due to financial pressures. This shift comes amid recent state regulatory changes that eased marijuana transport to the Island, potentially stabilizing local supply chains.
Regulatory Conditions Shape Ownership Change
The board imposed a strict six-month deadline for Black Harbor Group to bring the property into full compliance with Cannabis Control Commission rules, particularly addressing external lighting violations enforced by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission. Town administrator Jennifer Rand emphasized that failure to comply would trigger a letter warning of revoked operating rights. Erin Riley, attorney for Black Harbor, expressed confidence in meeting the timeline, noting it would encourage cooperation among all parties, including the landlord, to select compliant vendors.
Island Cannabis Market's Turbulent History
Fine Fettle held the distinction as the Vineyard's sole legal commercial grow facility and first retail outlet, supporting both recreational and medical sales under its permit. Its decision to cease growing sparked widespread concern, forcing the Island's other dispensary, Island Time, to close temporarily. State policy had long required Vineyard outlets to source marijuana locally, but the Cannabis Control Commission approved cross-state-waters transport in June, resolving a supply crisis that had threatened the entire local industry.
New Ownership Eyes Revival
Black Harbor Group, formed as a Massachusetts LLC in early July, lists mainland residents Monica Dean, Jamarhl Crawford, Kendall Mills, and Cornell Mills as managers. While details on future operations remain sparse, Riley affirmed the company's commitment to town rules and eagerness to integrate into the community. Both incoming owners and Fine Fettle's Benjamin Zachs anticipate this transition will breathe new life into the Island's cannabis sector, which has navigated financial and regulatory headwinds since legalization.
