Pot cafes, theaters and yoga studios? Plans revealed for social marijuana consumption in Massachusetts.
BOSTON - Massachusetts is getting closer to allowing pot cafes, as regulators this week revealed what licenses could look like for on-site social marijuana consumption. We're also learning more about what other kinds of businesses may pop up for legal cannabis use in public.
The state's Cannabis Control Commission on Thursday shared a presentation on how licensing could work for "social consumption establishments." Massachusetts voted in 2016 to legalize recreational marijuana and is one of 11 states where social consumption is allowed, but there is no system in place yet for permitting businesses to sell cannabis to people while also letting them use it there.
Types of marijuana social consumption licenses
The commission's presentation lays out three different types of on-site social consumption licenses: Supplemental, hospitality and event organizer.
Supplemental licenses apply to businesses such as retail dispensaries that can already sell marijuana, but are interested in providing a space like a lounge or tasting room for customers to consume it.
The hospitality license would cover "a new or existing non-cannabis commercial business." The commission says that could include a cafe, entertainment/recreational space, comedy club, yoga studio, theater or lodging space.
The event organizer permit would allow for "temporary consumption events," like festivals, that could last up to five days.
Food required for marijuana consumption sites
The commission document also details several policy considerations for the new licenses, including several concerning food.
All licensed marijuana establishments will be required to serve food, the presentation says. 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," which is the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, the commission says.
Other safety rules being considered include a 30-minute cutoff before closing time, a transportation strategy for businesses "to assist impaired consumers," and "cool down strategies" for those who react negatively to marijuana. Alcohol and tobacco would not be allowed at the sites either, the commission says.
The commission expects to officially release its regulations on Dec. 17. The Boston Globe reports that pot cafes and other social consumption sites could open in about a year.
