Massachusetts marijuana regulators are seeking input from the public after approving a draft set of rules that could pave the way for cannabis use in public spaces and events.
The state’s marijuana control agency approved the proposed changes during a recent meeting following several days of detailed review. The regulations will be officially filed with the Secretary of State by the end of the week, triggering a mandatory public comment period.
The main goal is to create legal spaces where adults can buy and consume cannabis on-site, similar to how alcohol is sold and enjoyed in bars. This would be especially helpful for out-of-town visitors who can’t smoke in hotels or renters who face building restrictions. It also gives guardians a place to consume cannabis without exposing their kids to it.
Social consumption spaces were part of the original 2016 ballot initiative that legalized recreational cannabis in the state. Although these spaces were supposed to roll out in 2018, regulators chose to focus on opening retail shops after pushback from state lawmakers.
The new regulations outline three kinds of social consumption license categories. The first, a “supplemental” category, would permit existing dispensaries or growers to offer customers cannabis products on-site.
The second, a “hospitality”category, would enable non-marijuana businesses like gyms, salons, or movie theaters to offer cannabis use as an added feature. The third, an “event organizer”category, would make it possible for temporary cannabis consumption at public gatherings such as concerts or festivals.
To keep safety a priority, all licensees must have a plan for how attendees will get home if they’re impaired. There are also rules in place to protect employees working in these spaces.
The permits will initially be available only to businesses that fall under the agency’seconomic empowerment or social equity programs, as well as to small-scale cannabis businesses and co-ops. This exclusivity period is set to last five years.
Changes have been made to the event organizer license category in recent months. These include requiring local approval for events before seeking state authorization, granting towns the same authority they have over alcohol-related events, and capping event licenses to 24 days annually, with no more than five consecutive days per event.
Additional updates include simplifying employee credentialing. Workers employed by more than one cannabis company will now need just one badge instead of multiple. The rules will also allow cannabis businesses to offer packaged, non-marijuana food and beverages for sale.
Over the next few weeks, the agency will accept public input and host a hearing to gather feedback. More information will be shared during a public hearing on August 14.
The entire marijuana industry across the country, including firms like Cresco Labs Inc. (CNSX: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), will be hoping that this new phase of rolling out the cannabis industry in Massachusetts unfolds smoothly.
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