Massachusetts Cannabis Commission Set to Approve Social Consumption Rules

Cannabis users could soon find that their favorite dispensaries are taking on a new atmosphere.

In July, the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) approved draft rules to permit public use of marijuana in group settings like cafes or lounges. Commission members say they aim to give final approval to the rules this month. Once this approval takes place, it's up to cities and towns to decide whether they want to permit social cannabis consumption establishments.

The regulations also include three license types: supplemental licenses for existing cannabis entities, hospitality licenses for non-cannabis businesses to offer on-site cannabis experiences, and special events licenses for pop-ups and festivals, with events seen as a lower-capital entry point.

The CCC has conducted regional listening sessions for municipalities to ask questions. Several South Coast communities have shown caution, but Somerville, Cambridge, Worcester, Haverhill, and Holyoke have indicated they will opt in.

According to a New Bedford Light report, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell has declined to take a position on social-consumption establishments until the CCC passes its regulations, said Jonathan Darling, a public information officer for the city. 

Dartmouth's town administrator, Cody Haddad, did not respond to a request for comment, and Fairhaven Town Administrator Keith Hickey said he was skeptical about social consumption.

Several safety concerns have arisen in discussions. These safeguards include requiring food and nonalcoholic beverages and approved transportation plans to curb intoxication. Many local business owners said they anticipate revenue opportunities if regulations are solid.

Other dispensary owners in the state said they hope for more specific regulations, such as a dosage limit or a membership-only business model.

According to the New Bedford Light, for the first three years of the social consumption rollout, only applicants whose businesses are 51% owned by social equity participants can apply for licenses. 

The Social Equity Program would target 51% ownership by social equity participants for initial licenses. Statewide, there are 18 recreational dispensaries and four social equity participants in Fall River. Concerns remain, however, about sustaining opportunities for smaller operators and preventing dominance by larger cannabis operators.

According to the New Bedford Light, the state could see social consumption regulations approved before Christmas, potentially during the CCC's Dec. 11 meeting.