Massachusetts unveils plans for marijuana consumption spaces

Massachusetts regulators are crafting rules and regulations for marijuana consumption spaces and plan to complete the process by mid-2025.

The state’s Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) recently unveiled several potential business enterprises, including Amsterdam-style cafes, tasting rooms and marijuana-friendly special events, according to Boston TV station WHDH.

The proposals are expected to be released next week and then go through an informal comment period for a full month when businesses, advocates and others will have an opportunity to weigh in.

The CCC then will update regulations to reflect the commentary and ultimately hold a public hearing, followed by a formal public comment period, the Boston Herald reported.

Under the proposals, the three license types include:

• A supplemental social consumption license to allow sales and consumption at or adjacent to established marijuana retail locations.
• A hospitality license, allowing companies to partner with licensed marijuana operators to open a lounge, cafe, entertainment/recreation space, yoga studio, theater, lodging space or other business at their unlicensed establishment.
• An event-organizer license that can be secured for up to five days for a temporary consumption event.

The developments come more than a year after Massachusetts regulators scrapped a pilot program to establish cannabis cafes in 12 municipalities.

CCC Commissioner Nurys Camargo said at the time that the decision to drop the pilot program will encourage municipalities to decide whether or not they will opt in, which is an ongoing industry challenge nationwide.