On January 21, 2017, the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission announced that it had approved the first draft of Regulations which will govern the state’s recreational cannabis program, referred to as the “Adult Use of Marijuana Industry.”

These draft Regulations propose 8 different license categories (including Cultivator, Manufacturing, Retail, and Research), establish a robust application process, and set forth detailed requirements for the operation of each type of cannabis-related business. The Regulations can be viewed here.

The Cannabis Control Commission is the regulatory body tasked with implementing and administering Massachusetts’ medical and recreational cannabis programs. In November 2016, the voters of Massachusetts voted 53-46 in favor of a ballot initiative proposing to legalize cannabis for recreational use. Since that time, the five-member Commission has worked to craft Regulations and has sought input from members of the public and the Massachusetts Cannabis Advisory Board through public meeting and forums.

The Commission plans to hold public hearings on the draft Regulations in February and to issue final Regulations by March 15, 2018.

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