The Cannabis Control Commission Approves Draft Regulations for the Implementation of the Adult Use of Marijuana Industry in Massachusetts

Regulations outline: license categories, licensing process requirements, operating requirements and enforcement measures

BOSTON, MA – Today, the Cannabis Control Commission filed with the Secretary of State’s Office, the state’s first draft regulations for the purpose of implementing the adult use of marijuana in Massachusetts. The draft regulations, 935 CMR 500.000, reflect more than 80 policies discussed and voted upon last week (see decisions from December 11, December 12, December 13 and December 14, 2017).

“Our mission is to honor the will of the voters of Massachusetts by safely, equitably and effectively implementing and administering the laws enabling access to adult use marijuana in the Commonwealth, and today we made a significant step forward,” Cannabis Control Commission Chairman Steven J. Hoffman said.  “I am extremely proud of our work, however today is a beginning and not an end; we have more to do to realize our goal of making Massachusetts a model for the nation in this new emerging industry.”

The draft regulations allow for the application of 8 different license categories and provide their process and operational requirements. Additionally, they detail incentives, programs and resources to promote social equity and support for communities which have been disproportionately impacted by the enforcement of previous marijuana laws; the approval of products and the requirements for labeling, packaging, advertising and serving sizes; and the enforcement of regulations, security and municipal protections.

The five Commissioners unanimously adopted 935 CMR 500.000 after a robust public meeting process that included 8, statewide public listening sessions, hundreds of online comments and recommendations provided by the 25-member Cannabis Advisory Board through four subcommittees focused on Public Health, Public Safety & Community Mitigation, Cannabis Industry and Market Participation. 

Next, the Cannabis Control Commission will conduct public hearings on the draft regulations in February.  The Commission expects to promulgate the final regulations by March 15, 2018 allowing for the first license applications to be available at the beginning of April.