The Cannabis Control Commission voted unanimously to approve regulations which allow marijuana cafes to open in the state next year. For five years, licenses to allow businesses to open marijuana cafes will only go to certain applicants, including minority-owned businesses and ones which fall into an "economic empowerment" category. Commissioners say the addition of these cafes will help businesses grow and thrive.
"We also have been very, very careful about emphasizing public health and safety and I think we're ending up with a really great set of regulations," said Carrie Benedon, a Cannabis Control Commissioner.
The commission will issue licenses in three categories. The first, which it calls "supplemental," would allow a marijuana grower or retailer to open an adjacent space where customers could use marijuana they purchase on site. Using marijuana at yoga classes or watching a play were also possibilities named by the commission in a second category of social consumption facilities it envisions, called "hospitality," in which new or existing non-cannabis businesses could partner with licenses.
A third category, called "event organizer" would allow licensed companies to get a temporary permit to allow marijuana sales and consumption at events like fairs and concerts.
Read more at News 7 Boston
