Is Social Consumption of Cannabis Legal in Massachusetts?

The answer depends on your definition of social consumption. Anyone with a valid license who is 21 + can enter a legal recreational cannabis dispensary in Massachusetts and purchase a variety of products to consume. However, in almost every case, you are not allowed to consume those products on the premises. Nor is there a clear place to go outside of your home.

One of the biggest challenges facing the adoption of social consumption is how we define it. Is it a smoking lounge? Indoors? Is it a cannabis bar that serves crafted infused mocktails? Is it a place to consume precisely dosed and delicious culinary experiences? Is it an infused dinner party in the comfort of your home?

When cannabis became legal in Massachusetts in 2016, it’s reasonable to believe cannabis consumers statewide would have hoped for all of the above. In late 2022, social consumption cleared a key hurdle when the legislature approved updated language. However, as 2025 quickly approaches, we are no closer to the answers of how, when, and where.

That is due, in part, to a shift in responsibility of who creates the social consumption regulations. In 2022, the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission took the baton and began to examine how other states, specifically California, are rolling out social consumption. This step opens the door for discussion by all participants on how to make Massachusetts the leader in this space.

The anticipated progress for social consumption regulations that allow businesses to open in 2025 is bolstered by the MCCC’s announcement of its new Executive Director, David Lakeman. The commission anticipates David’s experience in the Illinois Department of Agriculture will allow for visionary and strategic thinking in Massachusetts. A highly anticipated public meeting to announce the social consumption regulations is set for December 5th. Watch this space.

Second Act Cannabis President Eric Rogers, founder of Levia, was recently interviewed by NBC 10 Boston. Eric shared optimism around his hope that new leadership can seize the moment on social consumption. The idea is that a new frontier of cannabis consumption could be pioneered in Massachusetts. The obvious ancillary benefits are new businesses bringing new jobs that generate additional tax revenue for the state. Please watch the entire NBC 10 Boston news clip here.