Bulletin | Operations of MEs and MTCs During COVID-19 | March 23, 2020

On March 10, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker declared a State of Emergency (“Order”) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts due to the outbreak of the 2019 novel Coronavirus (“COVID-19”). On March 23, 2020, the Administration announced a further order directing all non-essential businesses to close until April 7, 2020. The Executive Director, acting on behalf of the Commission, directed adult-use retailers to cease and desist operations in accordance with the Governor’s March 23, 2020 order. The Cannabis Control Commission (“Commission”) is providing this bulletin to all Marijuana Establishments (ME) and Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MTC) for information and assistance. This bulletin supplements and updates the Commission’s bulletins issued March 20, 2020, March 18, 2020, and March 13, 2020.

Adult-Use Marijuana Establishments

All adult-use MEs must cease their retail operations by 12:00PM on March 24, 2020. MEs shall secure and may continue to maintain their inventory with limited staff and in compliance with existing Commission, municipal, and public health and safety requirements as well as Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other public health directives on social distancing, cleaning, and steps to protect populations particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 infection.

Colocated Facilities, Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, and Independent Testing Laboratories

Colocated facilities must cease their adult-use retail operations by 12:00PM, March 24, 2020, but may continue to serve registered qualifying patients. MTCs and Independent Testing Laboratories (ITL), may continue to operate as essential businesses under the Governor’s March 23, 2020 order. MTCs and ITLs must continue to comply with existing Commission, municipal, and public health and safety requirements, unless otherwise granted a waiver. Throughout all operations during this period, MTCs and ITLs must comply with public health recommendations to limit exposure and gatherings of more than 10 individuals. Wherever possible, MTCs and ITLs should enable remote work, as stated in the Administration’s various orders and recommendations.

Cultivators, Producers, Craft Marijuana Cooperatives, and Micro-Businesses

Consistent with the Governor Baker’s March 23, 2020, order, these MEs should enable remote work as much as possible. Cultivators and manufacturers of adult-use products should use the minimal number of employees to secure facilities and operations for the March 24-April 7 period, and cease operations until 12:00PM on April 7. Adult-use cultivators and product manufacturers may allow the minimum number of staff into facilities to ensure security, safety, and maintenance of products, e.g., watering plants and removing or properly storing perishables. Cultivators and product manufacturers for the medical use of marijuana program may continue to operate with minimal staffing.

Craft marijuana cooperatives and micro-businesses engaged in cultivation and production for the adult-use market should use the minimal number of employees to secure facilities and operations for the March 24-April 7 period, and cease operations until 12:00PM on April 7. Like other adult-use cultivators and product manufacturers, craft marijuana cooperatives and micro- businesses may allow the minimum number of staff into facilities to ensure security, safety, and maintenance of products, e.g., watering plants and removing or properly storing perishables.

Agent Registrations and Licensing

The Commission will continue to process agent applications and renewals. An agent who is laid off during this period as a result of the March 23, 2020 order will maintain their agent registration.

Commission Enforcement and Operations

The Commission remains open and is fully operational during this time. It will continue to enforce regulations and monitor compliance. Any questions about inspections or ongoing activity should be directed to the Licensee’s compliance officer or investigator.

Essential Services And Revised Gatherings Order, March 23, 2020