Municipalities with Town Meeting May Opt-in to Host Social Consumption Establishments for the First Time this Spring 

Last December, the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) approved three new license types that will allow the on-site consumption of cannabis in the Commonwealth for the first time. However, regulated social consumption is not available automatically within a municipality. Cities and towns must opt-in as a host community to allow Social Consumption Establishments to operate within their borders, and the Commission is already communicating to local officials about next steps.

The Commission’s new regulations, which took effect on Jan. 2, allow adults ages 21 and older to buy and consume cannabis on-site at licensed Marijuana Establishments, non-cannabis businesses that partner with licensees, and sanctioned events.   

As Annual Town Meetings across the Commonwealth typically take place between March and June, this season is the first opportunity for your municipality to consider implementing social consumption. 

 Municipalities are required to post the meeting’s warrant, which includes the time, venue, and agenda, at least seven days before the meeting. Residents may choose to suggest their own items on the meeting’s agenda for consideration by inserting an “article” or an item on the warrant through their local process. This may include written requests with signatures from at least 10 registered voters of the town and submission before the meeting’s warrant is closed.  

To allow social consumption within their borders, municipalities will also have to consider whether any updates to zoning, ordinances, or bylaws are needed, as well as revisions of local permitting structures and sequencing. The Commission offers a Municipal Zoning Tracker at MassCannabisControl.com which enables residents to understand the status of social consumption and other cannabis-related policies in their communities. 

To learn more about Town Meetings, check out the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Guide to Town Meetings. To get the schedule and details of your municipality’s Annual Town Meeting, and to see previous annual reports which include sample articles, visit your municipality’s website or contact your local office.  

If you have any questions about the implementation of the social consumption regulations, please contact the Commission by phone (774-415-0200) or email (Commission@CCCMass.com).

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