Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Approves Final License for Commonwealth’s First Marijuana Research Facility

License intended to contribute to gains in cannabis science to improve public health, safety in the state and across the country 

WORCESTER — The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) on Thursday, November 14, approved the Commonwealth’s first Marijuana Research Facility final license, marking continued progress towards achieving greater understanding of the safety and applicability of regulated marijuana products through science.

Commissioners voted unanimously (4-0) at the agency’s monthly public meeting to grant Curaleaf Processing, Inc. a final license to operate a Marijuana Research Facility in Newton. In September, the Commission’s Investigations and Enforcement staff inspected the Marijuana Research Facility and found it to be in full compliance with the requirements under state law. Upon receiving administrative approval for any submitted Research Permit applications, Curaleaf Processing Inc. must then pass a final license inspection prior to being authorized to commence operations and begin research projects.

“We are excited to move the state’s first-ever Research Facility license forward in the hopes that it will contribute to a safer regulated cannabis industry, rooted in science,” said Acting Chair Bruce Stebbins. “This licensee has worked diligently over the last two years to bring this facility to the Commonwealth, and we look forward to the work their team will accomplish after their receipt of a research permit.”

“There is still so much to explore when it comes to cannabis policy – whether we are considering implications for public health and safety, medical uses, or the impacts of prohibition,” said Commissioner Nurys Camargo. “While this licensee may be the first Research Facility to reach this point in the Commonwealth, it is my hope that others push on through the process and continue expanding our cannabis knowledge.”

“As long as marijuana remains a Schedule I substance, it is important that states like ours continue to innovate and pursue opportunities for research despite the barriers that may exist,” said Commissioner Ava Callender Concepcion. “I’m thrilled to see this licensee moving forward, and we are excited for the day when we can announce that their research efforts have officially begun.”

“While serving as the Commission’s public health appointee, I have emphasized time and again the critical need for more cannabis research to help Massachusetts residents better understand the potential risks and benefits of cannabis consumption,” said Commissioner Kimberly Roy. “As one of only fifteen cannabis research licenses of this type granted nationwide, the issuance of this Research Facility is a significant development for both the agency and industry. I am hopeful this is a first step towards Massachusetts someday being positioned as a global leader in cannabis research.”

Marijuana Research Facility licenses are available to any academic institution, nonprofit corporation, or domestic corporation or entity authorized to do business in the Commonwealth that is interested in either conducting research involving cannabis directly or permitting external researchers with an approved Research Permit to conduct research involving cannabis within approved facilities. A Research Permit is a certificate from the Commission to conduct a specified research study over a specified and finite period and identifies the type of research study to be performed at the licensed premises of the Marijuana Research Facility.

By establishing the Marijuana Research Facility license type in 2018, the Commission aimed to build upon the Commonwealth’s status as a world-class hub for higher education, medical, and biotech advancements and ensure Massachusetts’ leadership in emerging cannabis research and science. To date, Massachusetts is one of five states in the nation with legalized cannabis that offer research licenses, including New York, Connecticut, Washington, and Colorado. Only fifteen cannabis research licenses have been granted nationwide, and just ten of those are active.

Since Massachusetts regulations first authorized the licensure and operation of Marijuana Research Facilities, seven applications have been submitted to the Commission. More information about the requirements to obtain a Marijuana Research Facility license and Research Permit is available through the Commission’s “Frequently Asked Questions” page.

Following Thursday’s approval, the final licensee will need to submit a Research Permit application for review by the agency’s Research Department. In Massachusetts, any research projects involving human subjects will require supplying necessary Institution Review Board details while any study involving animal subjects will require supplying necessary Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) details to the Commission.

Additional information can be found by visiting the agency’s website at MassCannabisControl.com, by contacting the Commission by phone (774-415-0200) or email (Commission@CCCMass.com), or following the agency on Facebook and  X.

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