In Massachusetts, Progress on Cannabis Cafes and Home Delivery has Been Delayed for now

February 27, 2018, Massachusetts

Opening public spaces for the consumption of recreational cannabis has been on the agenda of Massachusetts following the approval of legalization. Moreover, delivering cannabis products at doorstep is also being under consideration.

But politicians from both side of the aisle including the governor are of the thought that the state regulators should focus on streamlining basic legalization measures first before moving on to more challenging developments.

This Monday, the regulators have chosen to holdup any action regarding both of the proposals. Massachusetts Marijuana Control Commission is comprised of five members and all of them, after lengthy deliberations, have voted to postpone the licensing process for home delivery and cannabis cafes for next seven to eight months. They have decided to maintain their focus on finalizing the retail sales regulations of the cannabis, starting from July 1.

Progress on Cannabis Cafes and Home Delivery has Been Delayed for now – Image powered by Newsbtc.com

The state’s law enforcement agencies also have apprehensions with the regulator’s proposal of cannabis cafes. They believe that having such communal spaces to consume cannabis in the beginning of a legalized atmosphere will create issues of public safety and it would be very difficult for the law enforcement officials to tackle the situation. There is another issue regarding the working of these cannabis cafés i.e. will alcohol be allowed in these spaces?

Some research work has already been done, which indicates that people who drive after consuming cannabis are more vulnerable to road accidents, particularly on the informal holiday of stoners on April 20th. Police officials think that with the opening of social spaces for the consumption of recreational marijuana, the cases of DUI will increase manifold.

The Republican Governor Charlie Baker has also raised his concerns regarding public health with the commencement of cannabis cafes.

On the other hand, cannabis advocates are not very pleased with this decision. They also have a repository of valid arguments in the favor of opening such establishments. For instance, supporters of cannabis cafes draw a parallel between cannabis cafes and bars serving alcohol. It is indeed a valid assertion that if one is allowed to operate freely and legally with all its perils, how come the same cannabis model can’t be allowed, when it’s already going to become a legal commodity in the state.

The Republican Governor Charlie Baker – Image powered by Newbostonpost.com

Another rationale given by the advocates also holds weight. They say that with the availability of public spaces to consume recreational marijuana, people will no more be obliged to use it in their homes in front of minors and the people who are not approve of weed.

However, there shouldn’t be any disappointment because the commission hasn’t ruled out the possibility of having such spaces. They are delaying the working on the idea until fall. At that point of time, they will have couple of months of a legalized setting to assess and analyze the future course.

If legalization comes into effect without any major hiccups and glitches, then there are strong prospects that within a year of it we will have cannabis cafes in the state.

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