Overview
- On Thursday, the Cannabis Control Commission voted unanimously to finalize regulations allowing licensed on-site consumption at lounges, dispensaries, hospitality venues and temporary events.
- The framework creates three license types: add-on tasting rooms for existing marijuana businesses, temporary event licenses, and a category for non-cannabis venues partnering with marijuana establishments.
- Operational safeguards include required rideshare plans, bans on alcohol and tobacco, availability of food and water, strict ventilation standards, and cannabis-free cooling areas, with only prepackaged edibles permitted.
- Cities and towns must opt in before any sites can open, and commissioners expect the regulations to be officially on the books by January after final administrative steps.
- The first licenses will go to participants in the commission’s social equity program, and the chair estimates openings could begin in roughly 12 to 18 months.