State Cannabis Commission creating 'working group' to focus on social marijuana consumption

Ahead of the possible licensing of social cannabis consumption establishments in Massachusetts, the Cannabis Control Commission is looking for individuals to volunteer for a working group whose focus will center on social consumption of cannabis.

The Commission is authorized to license "the consumption of marijuana or marijuana products on the premises where sold." When regulations surrounding the adult use of marijuana were being established last year, the Commission put off discussion about the social consumption and delivery of cannabis, with a commitment to tackle the issue later in the year or early this year. 

"Toward that goal," Executive Director Shawn Collins said in a letter sent earlier this months to municipal officials, "the Commission is in the process of creating the municipal working group on social consumption ..."

The group, Collins said, will be comprised of Cannabis Control Commission members and several local municipals, including mayors, city councilors, selectmen, town managers/administrators, town planners or health officials whose role it will be to develop a framework for what may become a pilot program implementing and regulating social consumption establishments. 

"Ultimately," Collins said, "whether to license social consumption establishments has yet to be determined by the Commission."

The Cannabis Commission, which recently authorized the approval of a 10-year lease with Worcester, is expected to transfer its Boston headquarters to Union Station by midyear.