Pot bars with social consumption coming to Massachusetts … eventually

The Cannabis Control Commission in Massachusetts has announced draft regulations for “Social Consumption Sites,” similar to Amsterdam-style pot cafes, where adults can patronize and sample marijuana. This milestone comes more than two years after an update to marijuana laws allowed municipalities to opt into public consumption of cannabis. The regulations are still in their infancy, according to Acting Chair Bruce Stebbins, and public input is welcome during the upcoming comment period. The commission expects to finalize the regulations by mid-2025 and anticipates three types of licenses: supplemental, hospitality, and event organizer. These licenses will allow existing marijuana businesses to add social consumption, non-marijuana businesses to partner with cannabis establishments, and temporary consumption events to take place up to five days. The commission aims to strike a balance between innovation and compliance in the marijuana industry, allowing Massachusetts to join a dozen other jurisdictions in permitting public marijuana consumption. The process from announcement to the first shop opening will depend on state and municipal procedures, as well as business decisions made by licensees. Overall, the Commission’s move towards Amsterdam-style pot cafes offers a new avenue for the marijuana industry to grow and succeed in Massachusetts.

Source
Photo credit www.bostonherald.com