Massachusetts Cannabis Regulators Approve Social-Use Draft Regulations
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) last week unanimously approved draft regulations for social cannabis use. The proposal would allow for social use permits for cannabis consumption at events, social-use licenses for retailers, and allow licensees to sell pre-packaged, non-cannabis-infused food and drinks.
In a statement, Bruce Stebbins, acting CCC chair, called the approval of the draft regulations “a monumental day for the Massachusetts adult-use cannabis industry” and “the culmination of years of hard work shaping these new licenses with input from stakeholders across the state.”
“We look forward to the final steps in this process, including the upcoming public comment opportunities. We want to hear from as many people as possible to make the Massachusetts social consumption model a leader in the nation.” — Stebbins in a press release
The proposal includes three social consumption licenses, including:
- Supplemental, for existing Marijuana Establishments to add on-site consumption into their operations;
- Hospitality, for new or existing non-cannabis businesses to host consumption activities in partnership with qualifying Marijuana Establishments; and
- Event Organizer, for qualifying Marijuana Establishments to organize and host temporary consumption events.
Social cannabis consumption was part of the ballot measure to legalize adult-use cannabis approved by voters in 2016. The CCC notes that the social use provisions have been incorporated into the agency’s regulations as early as 2019 but changes to state law – ultimately passed in 2022 – were necessary before the latest regulatory process could begin towards enabling the license type to commence operations.
The CCC is currently accepting public comments on the proposal.