Worcester Cannabis Control Commission Seeking Public Input

WORCESTER, MA - The Worcester Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) began a review of regulations governing on-site Social Consumption Establishments on Tuesday, Dec. 17, and voted unanimously to open an informal, public comment period.

“Following the rollout of proposed social consumption regulations earlier this month, the Commission is beginning an intensive review period that will include multiple opportunities for public comment,” Acting Chair Bruce Stebbins said.

The Commission first unveiled its policies for three types of licenses for future adult-use social consumption businesses. They would be for small businesses and licenses owned by participants of the agency’s equity programming. On Tuesday, Commissioners took a first step toward implementation by reviewing a red-lined version of those regulations.

The proposed license types to allow on-site consumption are:

Supplemental: For qualifying marijuana establishments such as cultivators, retailers and manufacturers.

Event Organizer: New or existing non-cannabis businesses could permit on-site consumption at lounges, movie theaters, gyms, etc.

Hospitality: For qualifying marijuana establishments to host temporary consumption events at a maximum of 24 hours and no more than five consecutive days a year.

The vote won’t come until early 2025, and prior to the open forum for public comments stakeholders should send any feedback to the proposed policies to “Commission@CCCMass.com” with the subject line “Social Consumption” before 5 p.m. on Jan. 23, 2025.

“We took our time building these proposed regulations to help Massachusetts become a leader in safe, equitable and successful social consumption businesses,” Commissioner Nurys Camargo said. “These licenses may not only expand the existing cannabis industry, but also build a bridge for traditional businesses that want to host cannabis-themed events without becoming a full-fledged licensee.”