The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission has finalized the regulations for the state’s voter-approved recreational cannabis industry, four months before the program is set to go live, according to a WBUR report. The commission will begin accepting applications for industry operators on Apr. 1.
What’s in, what’s out?
- Social consumption and home delivery is off the table until at least next year. The commission voted 4-1 against including those activities last month. The panel did indicate they would revisit the social-use conversation in October.
- Currently operating medical cannabis dispensaries must set aside 35 percent, or a six-month average of their medical cannabis sales, for medical only sales. Medical patients will also be allowed express service at the dispensaries.
- Cultivation sites are capped at 100,000 square feet. A tiered system will allow cultivators to decide how much product they want to grow. Cultivators in their chosen tier must demonstrate to the commission they have sold 70 percent of their product to maintain the license for that tier – if they do not they will be bumped to the appropriate tier.
- Individuals convicted of trafficking hard drugs – all drugs other than cannabis – need not apply. Although, those with such convictions can obtain licenses to work in the industry so long as they are not touching the plant.
Commission Chair Steve Hoffman told WBUR that the commission still needs to make sure its technology is in place and keep educating Michigan municipalities what is and isn’t permitted under the rules. The rules were unanimously approved by the commission.