| WORCESTER – The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) on Tuesday, Dec. 17 began its review of regulations governing on-site Social Consumption Establishments and voted (3-0) to open an initial, informal public comment period seeking input from constituents.
On Dec. 5, the Commission first unveiled policies for three proposed license types for future adult-use social consumption businesses that will be carved out for small businesses and licenses owned by participants of the agency’s equity programming. During Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioners reviewed a red-lined version of those regulations, one of the first steps toward implementation.
Commissioners will take up the draft regulations for further discussion and vote in early 2025. Prior to the opening of a formal public comment period, stakeholders are encouraged to submit any initial feedback for the proposed policies as currently written to [email protected] with subject line, “Social Consumption” no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2025. |
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The proposed license types include:
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Supplemental
For qualifying Marijuana Establishments, including Cultivators, Product Manufacturers, Retailers, Microbusinesses, Craft Marijuana Cooperatives or Delivery Operators. These licenses allow on-site consumption within or attached to an existing establishment, events within an existing or adjoining facility, and consumption of product purchased on site. |
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Hospitality
For new or existing non-cannabis businesses to host on-site consumption events in partnership with qualifying Marijuana Establishments. Event Organizers would permit on-site social consumption at events at businesses like lounges, movie theaters, lodging facilities, and gyms. |
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Event Organizer
For qualifying Marijuana Establishments to organize and host temporary consumption events with a maximum of 24 events lasting no longer than five consecutive days per year. Only existing Marijuana Establishments would qualify for temporary, on-site consumption permits during events. |
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| The three proposed license types would be exclusively available to Social Equity Businesses, Social Equity Program Participants, Certified Economic Empowerment Priority Applicants, Microbusinesses, and Craft Marijuana Cooperatives for an initial period of 60 months, an extension of the current exclusivity period of 36 months. |
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Commissioners begin review of proposed regulations, kicking off new phase for the Commonwealth’s cannabis industry
WORCESTER – The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) on Tuesday, Dec. 17 began its review of regulations governing on-site Social Consumption Establishments and voted (3-0) to open an initial, informal public comment period seeking input from constituents.
On Dec. 5, the Commission first unveiled policies for three proposed license types for future adult-use social consumption businesses that will be carved out for small businesses and licenses owned by participants of the agency’s equity programming. During Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioners reviewed a red-lined version of those regulations, one of the first steps toward implementation.
Commissioners will take up the draft regulations for further discussion and vote in early 2025. Prior to the opening of a formal public comment period, stakeholders are encouraged to submit any initial feedback for the proposed policies as currently written to [email protected] with subject line, “Social Consumption” no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
The proposed license types include:
- Supplemental: For qualifying Marijuana Establishments, including Cultivators, Product Manufacturers, Retailers, Microbusinesses, Craft Marijuana Cooperatives or Delivery Operators. These licenses allow on-site consumption within or attached to an existing establishment, events within an existing or adjoining facility, and consumption of product purchased on site.
- Hospitality: For new or existing non-cannabis businesses to host on-site consumption events in partnership with qualifying Marijuana Establishments. Event Organizers would permit on-site social consumption at events at businesses like lounges, movie theaters, lodging facilities, and gyms.
- Event Organizer: For qualifying Marijuana Establishments to organize and host temporary consumption events with a maximum of 24 events lasting no longer than five consecutive days per year. Only existing Marijuana Establishments would qualify for temporary, on-site consumption permits during events.
The three proposed license types would be exclusively available to Social Equity Businesses, Social Equity Program Participants, Certified Economic Empowerment Priority Applicants, Microbusinesses, and Craft Marijuana Cooperatives for an initial period of 60 months, an extension of the current exclusivity period of 36 months.
“Following the rollout of proposed social consumption regulations earlier this month, the Commission is beginning an intensive review period that will include multiple opportunities for public comment,” Acting Chair Bruce Stebbins said. “We’re looking forward to collaborating with our constituents to ensure that future social consumption establishments are operated safely and help move our equity mandate forward.”
“We took our time building these proposed regulations to help Massachusetts become a leader in safe, equitable, and successful social consumption businesses,” Commissioner Camargo said. “These licenses may not only expand the existing cannabis industry, but also build a bridge for traditional businesses that want to host cannabis-themed events without becoming a full-fledged licensee.”
The Commission’s Social Consumption Regulatory Working Group led by Acting Chair Stebbins and Commissioner Camargo developed the proposed social consumption licenses following months of stakeholder outreach, research, and on-site visits. Members of the working group reviewed social consumption practices in other jurisdictions, held three public hearings at locations across the state, and met with dozens of groups in Massachusetts and across the country representing cannabis professionals, municipalities, public safety officials, equity experts, and more.
The effort to reform social consumption policies kicks off as the Massachusetts cannabis industry marks major milestones, including the adult-use industry surpassing $7 billion in gross sales, the continuing implementation of Chapter 180 reforms, and new regulations aimed at helping microbusinesses, delivery licensees, and patients of the Medical Use of Marijuana Program.
Commissioners have set a goal of mid-2025 to publish final social consumption regulations. In the coming months, Commissioners will hold a series of meetings to edit the regulations, host a public hearing, and accept formal public comment.
Following regulatory implementation, cities and towns across Massachusetts will be able to opt-in to allowing social consumption businesses by adopting new ordinances or bylaws – including by petition – or changing zoning regulations. The Commission is also planning to launch a public education campaign before social consumption businesses begin to open, similar to the agency’s award-winning “More About Marijuana” effort prior to the opening of Marijuana Retailers in 2018.
For more information about social consumption, contact the Commission by phone (774-415-0200) or email ([email protected]). Information about the Commission’s equity programs are available here.
