Massachusetts Cannabis Consumption Sites Remain in Limbo

For some, cannabis cafes are long-overdue recreational spots for like-minded adults to gather to smoke weed. Others see the cafes as just another way to funnel intoxicated drivers onto the state’s highways.

For more than seven years, state regulators have been trying to find the best way to allow cannabis consumption sites, including cannabis cafes, to open in Massachusetts. The Cannabis Control Commission considered a 12-community pilot program but decided against the approach last year.

State House News Service reported, “Regulators hope to present their latest framework for rules that will govern establishments where adults could use marijuana together in a social setting before the end of this year, more than seven years since the Cannabis Control Commission started wrestling with the issue.”

SHNS said the CCC plans to consult with Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Treasurer Deborah Goldberg and “other key stakeholders.”

Massachusetts voters approved a ballot initiative in 2016 legalizing adult-use marijuana and the establishment of so-called cannabis cafes. Some liken the cafe concept to a barroom.

The CCC is considering a $500,000 public awareness campaign, training for consumption site employees, and municipal outreach.

Marijuana consumption lounges are legal in 14 states, including Massachusetts. Cannabis Creative said Massachusetts is the only state out of the 14 that has not  “established a plan to implement it.”

Statista.com said Massachusetts is among the states with the highest percentage of adult marijuana users at 29.74 percent. Only Vermont, the District of Columbia, Oregon, Alaska and Washington had higher percentages than Massachusetts.