Massachusetts gives initial OK to marijuana cafes, delivery firms

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Massachusetts regulators gave preliminary approval to rules that would permit marijuana cafes and delivery services in the state, paving the way for the creation of two new types of cannabis businesses.

The state’s Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) approved draft regulations – along with some restrictions – for the two new types of business licenses.

The agency will likely finalize the regulations in September, after a comment period, The Boston Globe reported.

The proposed regulations would reserve cafe and delivery licenses for local entrepreneurs whose small companies already hold microbusiness or craft-cooperative licenses from the CCC, as well as participants in the commission’s economic empowerment and social equity programs, according to the newspaper.

After two years, any company could apply for delivery licenses, unless regulators extend a ban on larger, out-of-state firms meant to foster “an inclusive industry,” the Globe reported.

It’s not clear when deliveries or cannabis cafes would be allowed to begin.