Issue of Social Consumption in Massachusetts

February 21, 2018, Massachusetts

Massachusetts might become the first state in the US where adults can congregate in public spaces to consume recreational cannabis. The concept of marijuana cafes became trendy with its popularity in Amsterdam. The state’s cannabis control commission will decide in next few days whether to approve the regulations allowing the social consumption in the state.

However, not everyone is amused by this proposition. Charlie Baker, Republican governor of the state and local law enforcement agencies have warned about the consequences of such development in relation to the safety of community and health risks. The governor has asked the commission to put off the proposition of social consumption till the commercial marijuana industry gets its foothold.

There are some important points one should know about the issue of social consumption.

What it means?

Massachusetts congregate in public spaces – Image powered by Huntnewsnu.com

Social consumption means people can gather at a public spot to legally purchase and consume cannabis. Even though recreational marijuana operations have become legal following the voter-approved legislation, but it’s still illegal to smoke weed in public spaces. Therefore, any site of social consumption will need licensing and regulation guideline of the state before starting the operations. The proposed regulations have suggested that the cannabis cafes can’t simultaneously serve alcohol.

Types of proposed social consumption ventures

The commission has proposed to issue primary and mixed-use license for social consumption. Primary license will be issued to the businesses that are going to generate more than half of their revenue from cannabis sales. These establishments are termed ‘cannabis cafes’, which will be marijuana substituent of bars and coffee shops.

On the other hand, a mixed-use license will be issued to the business that would sell cannabis as a secondary item. Examples of such marijuana establishment include restaurants, cinemas and yoga establishments.

What’s the controversy?

Baker and even some Democratic politicians are of the thought the cannabis commission has already have too much on its plate. Therefore, they should stick to regulate and license the retail shops and growing facilities before moving to more exciting and exotic prospects of marijuana consumption.

Law officials and district attorneys has also shared their concerns about the hastily execution of such an idea. They argue that cases of impaired driving and other public disorders will significantly rise in the environment of social consumption.

Supporters’ stance

Supporters’ stance – Image powered by Commonwealthmagazine.org

Advocates of the idea see nothing unusual in materializing the concept of social consumption. A representative of Marijuana Policy Project (Massachusetts chapter) thinks that cannabis cafes will be similar to alcohol establishments and no one criticizes public sites for alcohol consumption.

Supporters of social consumption also see such sites as a convenient alternate for people who can’t consume cannabis at home because they have minors in the house.

What about other legal states?

The topic of social consumption is being discussed in every US state where cannabis has been legalized. But no state has progressed on the regulation front like Massachusetts. In Denver, Colorado, voters approved the clubs where marijuana consumption is allowed, but people have to bring in their own stuff.

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