Massachusetts marijuana regulators sign off on industry draft rules

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Massachusetts is a step closer to a legalized recreational marijuana industry.

The Cannabis Control Commission has approved a wide-ranging set of draft regulations, though the regulations are not final.

The rules will be subject to public hearings over the next few months, and some revisions are possible before the business licensing process begins.

Facing a July 1 deadline for the launch of adult-use sales, the commission has been wrestling with such questions as:

  • When and how to allow cannabis consumption in social-use clubs.
  • How to promote diversity, especially residents of minority neighborhoods who were targeted by the war on drugs.
  • Marijuana research facilities.
  • Home delivery, including a proposal that delivery drivers must obtain positive ID and proof a buyer is 21 or older. The recipient also would have to sign for any delivery.
  • A special license for facilities that would cultivate and purchase marijuana but wouldn’t sell it.

Jim Borghesani – a spokesman for the Yes On 4 campaign that passed Massachusetts’ rec cannabis law – said the group is generally supportive of the draft regulations.

However, he said the group has “a few minor changes we’d like to see, including removing the requirement for delivery recipients to provide signatures and the requirement for license applicants to hold mandated public hearings.”

– Associated Press