The Marijuana Herald – Marijuana news and information
Massachusetts regulators just voted to finalize rules governing social cannabis consumption, approving a comprehensive regulatory package that paves the way for cannabis lounges, on-site consumption at retailers, and licensed consumption at events.
The unanimous 4 to 0 vote, taken Wednesday by the Cannabis Control Commission, moves forward an element of the state’s adult-use law that has remained on hold since voters approved recreational marijuana in 2016. Commissioners signed off on a framework that outlines three models for social consumption. Existing marijuana establishments will be allowed to add designated on-site consumption areas for products purchased there. A hospitality category will let non-cannabis businesses work with licensed operators to offer consumption in places such as cafes, yoga studios, or theaters. The regulations also authorize temporary consumption events under an event organizer license, allowing festivals and pop-ups to offer controlled, licensed cannabis use.
The commission also affirmed that cities and towns must opt in before any social consumption license can operate within their borders, giving municipalities direct control over whether these venues can open. The regulatory package includes a five-year window in which eligibility is prioritized for Social Equity Businesses, economic empowerment applicants, microbusinesses, and craft cooperatives…