Massachusetts Marijuana Regulators Plan to Release Social Consumption Rules by October
The Cannabis Control Commission has announced plans to release its final social consumption regulations by October, after initially aiming to do so by mid-2025. The agency is working on a framework that will allow existing marijuana businesses to add social consumption areas, such as tasting rooms, where customers can consume cannabis products purchased on-site. The framework also includes licenses for on-site cannabis consumption at non-cannabis businesses, like lounges, yoga studios, and cafes, as well as for events like festivals.
Acting Chair Bruce Stebbins acknowledged that the commission is behind schedule, but expressed confidence that the process is making progress. “It’s a process that includes all of the commissioners and all of the staff input as we get further closer to the end,” he said.
The commission plans to vote on the regulations in July, followed by a public comment period and a public hearing. The testimony will be incorporated into another draft, which will then be resubmitted to the Secretary of State and become enforceable in October.
Communities across the state will have to opt-in to allow social consumption, and the commission will need to approve licenses before people can consume cannabis products in designated public spaces. Social consumption has been legal in Massachusetts since 2016, but the commission has been slow to roll out regulations to support it.
The commission has faced controversy in recent months, including allegations of bullying and a failure to collect over $500,000 in licensing fees. The agency is currently down to three members and is at risk of being deadlocked. A cannabis reform bill passed by the House would restructure the commission to a three-member body appointed solely by the governor.
Despite the challenges, Stebbins expressed optimism about the potential benefits of social consumption regulations. “There’s general excitement from the community and the stakeholders that have wanted [social consumption], and I think we’re getting to a point where we’re going to have regulations that will prioritize public health and safety and at the same time will bring exciting, new opportunities for potential licensees.”
