Massachusetts Cannabis Commission Presents New Plan For Social Consumption

BOSTON, MA – Plans for social consumption of cannabis in Massachusetts have taken another step forward with the release of a proposed framework for the program.

According to a report by the Commonwealth Beacon, the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission unveiled new rules last week for the startup of social consumption in the state.

Massachusetts voted in 2016 to legalize recreational marijuana and is one of 11 states where social consumption is allowed, but it does not yet have an established system for permitting businesses to sell cannabis to people while also letting them use it there.

Under the regulatory framework put forth by the CCC, there would be three different types of licenses:

-A “supplemental” license for existing marijuana businesses to add a social consumption component like a “tasting room” for people to consume cannabis they purchase on the site,

-A “hospitality” license for on-site consumption at new or existing non-cannabis businesses like lounges, yoga studios, cafes, and theaters,

-An “event organizer” license for consumption at events like festivals that are no more than five days long.

Among other considerations detailed in the commission’s presentation are those involving food.  All licensed marijuana establishments will be required to serve food. Licensees must train staff on food service but could also partner with nearby restaurants or delivery services.

“Limited research does show food consumption can slow onset of THC,” the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, the commission said.

The CCC expects to officially release its regulatory framework on Dec. 17 and publish its social consumption regulations by the middle of next year.

“This framework and the accompanying regulations represent our exhaustive and thoughtful work,” said acting commission chair Bruce Stebbins. “We know that this regulatory process is never quick, never speedy.”

The commission says its top priority in developing this program is public safety, and it plans to put safeguards in place.

“We’re going to require specific training to help an agent in a consumption lounge recognize if you might be impaired or somebody else might be impaired,” Stebbins said.

Business owners welcomed the release of the framework, and hope the process for starting social consumption will be expedited.

“It presents an amazing opportunity for businesses like my own,” said Tito Jackson, a former Boston city councilor and owner of Apex Noire. “It’ll strengthen the bottom line of our business and make us more competitive and more attractive. Social consumption also begins to normalize an an industry that is significantly contributing to the bottom line of the state of Massachusetts.”

Each social consumption space must have a menu with information about the cannabis products including the amount of THC.

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