Massachusetts Takes Step Towards Legalizing Pot Cafes and Social Marijuana Consumption
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission has revealed plans to allow on-site social marijuana consumption, including pot cafes, theaters, and yoga studios. The state voted to legalize recreational marijuana in 2016, but there has been no system in place for permitting businesses to sell cannabis while allowing customers to consume it on site.
The commission has proposed three types of licenses for social consumption establishments: supplemental, hospitality, and event organizer. Supplemental licenses would apply to existing retail dispensaries looking to create a lounge or tasting room for customers. Hospitality licenses would cover new or existing non-cannabis businesses, such as cafes, comedy clubs, or yoga studios, that want to offer on-site consumption. Event organizer permits would allow for temporary consumption events, like festivals, that could last up to five days.
To ensure safety, the commission has outlined several policy considerations, including the requirement that all licensed establishments serve food. This is based on limited research showing that food consumption can slow the onset of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Other safety measures being considered include a 30-minute cutoff before closing time, transportation strategies for impaired consumers, and “cool down strategies” for those who react negatively to marijuana. Additionally, alcohol and tobacco would be prohibited at these sites.
The commission expects to officially release its regulations on December 17, with pot cafes and other social consumption sites potentially opening in about a year.
