Cannabis social consumption is coming soon to Massachusetts, and Somerville is taking the lead by hosting public meetings on the topic to help residents – consumers and non-consumers alike – understand what social consumption is, and what it might look like on the local level.
Since April, my fellow Commissioners and I have been visiting municipalities across the state to talk to local officials about social consumption. That’s because cities and towns in Massachusetts will ultimately have to decide whether to allow social consumption businesses to open, just like many did almost a decade ago when marijuana retailers began operating in Massachusetts. To date, the Commonwealth’s adult-use marketplace has generated $8 billion in gross sales and counting.
The Commission’s meetings with community stakeholders have produced valuable feedback we’re using to shape what the final regulatory scheme will look like. The Commission approved draft social consumption rules in July, then opened up a public comment period this fall, all towards putting the finishing touches on the final package.
Social consumption will be a big step for the cannabis industry in Massachusetts and New England—considering the only comparable destinations on the East Coast are in New Jersey. When these businesses ultimately open here to offer customers edibles, cannabis beverages, and flower for purchase and on-site consumption, the Commonwealth may be the twelfth state to come online nationwide. So, we’ve worked hard to make sure these licenses are innovative and flexible for small business owners and equity participants who will have exclusive access to operating them in our state.
The Commission has also been particularly focused on health and safety. On-site consumption means that adults ages 21 and older can consume cannabis the same way people already order alcoholic beverages in bars. Commissioners and staff have spent a lot of time over the last few years speaking to public health and safety officials as we drafted regulations to make sure we address issues like transportation, worker safety, and over-consumption.
Some of the safeguards we’re planning include:
- No licensed social consumption business will be allowed to serve alcohol or tobacco;
- Employees will have to take dedicated training – similar to bar staff – to recognize impairment;
- Sales of cannabis products must cease 30 minutes before the business’ closing time;
- Licensees will be required to make food and non-alcoholic beverages available because some research has shown that consuming food and cannabis may mitigate the intoxicating effects;
- All licensees will have to have an approved transportation plan to assist impaired customers;
- Businesses that offer indoor smoking will be required to comply with strong ventilation requirements, plus any personal protective equipment requested by an employee;
- Product menus will list estimated onset times to prevent overuse; and
- As usual, strict ID policies will be enforced to prevent anyone under age 21 from consuming.
It’s important to note that unregulated social consumption is already happening in Massachusetts. These new licenses offer legacy business owners the opportunity to transition to the legal market, for new consumers to try new products with the help of experts, a legal pathway for patients and adults to consume cannabis safely if their housing does not allow it, and a destination for communal consumption away from public spaces like parks.
Ultimately, it will be up to municipalities to decide how social consumption will fit into the fabric of their community. Some municipalities may allow all three types of businesses, while others may limit social consumption to existing retail stores or businesses that only offer edibles and beverages. Nothing will be able to move forward without the city or town first opting in—updating zoning and bylaws or approving by referendum—and considering a host community agreement with the licensee.
I encourage residents to attend Somerville’s next meeting on social consumption, which the city will host virtually on Nov. 17. Your participation will help shape the future of the cannabis industry in Massachusetts and in your backyard.
Cannabis Control Commissioner Bruce Stebbins was first appointed by the State Treasurer, Attorney General, and Governor to serve in the agency’s regulated industries seat starting in 2021.
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Where is this “unregulated social consumption” occurring? Asking for a friend…