On Dec. 21, the Cannabis Control Commission released draft regulations to implement the recreational marijuana law approved by voters at the state election in 2016.
The 107-page draft spells out in detail the different types of marijuana establishments that could be licensed in Massachusetts and the rules governing review and approval of applications. The proposed regulations also govern the operation of marijuana establishments and enforcement of the rules. There are many sections that would affect cities and towns, including 935 CMR 500.101, which specifies some of the rules governing community outreach, compliance with ordinances and bylaws, and host community agreements.
The Commission has scheduled 10 public hearings on the regulations during February at locations across the state:
• Monday, Feb. 5, 8:30-11 a.m. Berkshire Community College, K111 Lecture Hall, 1350 West St., Pittsfield, MA 01201 (Snow date: Monday, Feb. 12, 8:30-11 a.m.)
• Monday, Feb. 5, 2-5 p.m. Leslie Philips Theater at Holyoke Community College, 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke, MA 01040
• Tuesday, Feb. 6, 9 a.m.-noon. Barnstable Town Hall, Public Hearing Room, 367 Main St., Hyannis, MA 02601
• Tuesday, Feb. 6, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Franklin Regional Council of Governments, William B. Allen Community Room, 12 Olive St., Greenfield, MA 01301
• Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2-5 p.m. UMass School of Law, Rooms 231-232, 333 Faunce Corner Road, Dartmouth, MA 02747 (Snow date: Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2-5 p.m.)
• Wednesday, Feb. 7, 9 a.m.-noon. Worcester Public Library, Saxe Room, 3 Salem Square, Worcester, MA 01608 (Snow date: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 9 a.m.-noon)
• Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2-5 p.m. North Shore Community College, Math/Science Building Room 119, 1 Ferncroft Road, Danvers, MA 01923 (Snow date: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2-5 p.m.)
• Thursday, Feb. 8, 1-4 p.m. McCormack Building, One Ashburton Place, 21st Floor, Boston, MA 02108 (Snow date: Tuesday, Feb. 13, 1-4 p.m.)
• Friday, Feb. 9, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. West Tisbury Public Library, 1042 State Road, West Tisbury, MA 02575
• Tuesday, Feb. 13, 6-8:30 p.m. Bolling Municipal Building, 2300 Washington St., 2nd Floor, Roxbury, MA 02119
The Commission expects to finalize the regulations by March 15, 2018 so that the first license applications can be available at the beginning of April.
credit:mma.org
