Cannabis Cafes To Soon Come To Massachusetts

Massachusetts is another step closer to seeing so-called Cannabis Cafes.

They would be the first such enterprises in New England.

On a 4 nothing vote, the Cannabis Control Commission approved the measure.

Regulations will now be written and those are expected to be approved sometime in January.

“The Commonwealth has been eagerly waiting social consumption, so we’re proud to move this effort across the finish line,” said Chair Shannon O’Brien. “We look forward to the economic opportunities these new license types will offer to small businesses and entrepreneurs who have been disproportionately harmed by the War on Drugs.”

“This final regulatory package reflects years of stakeholder engagement, research, and policy discussion and deliberation,” said Commissioner Bruce Stebbins, co-chair of the Social Consumption Working Group. “Next steps will include ongoing engagement with municipalities that must opt-in to hosting social consumption and educating residents to ensure the Commonwealth is prepared for this expansion of our $8 billion regulated cannabis industry.”

“Today’s vote marks a long-awaited and carefully considered milestone for Massachusetts’ regulated cannabis industry. By finalizing the Social Consumption license-type, the Commission is honoring the will of the voters who envisioned safe, legal spaces for adult-use cannabis, while maintaining strong safeguards to protect public health and public safety. This achievement represents years of collaboration among stakeholders, policymakers, and communities across the Commonwealth,” said Commissioner Kimberly Roy. “This vote, however, does not conclude the Commission’s work; it begins a new chapter of consumer and public education to ensure this emerging sector operates safely and responsibly.

Under the new cafes, businesses could not sell both booze and cannabis at the same time, and they must have ride share programs in place.

Local communities would also have to opt into the cafe program.

(Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)