Somerville to Host Public Forums on State’s Draft Cannabis Social Consumption Licenses

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) recently drafted three types of licenses allowing for the “social consumption” of cannabis by adults 21 and older in approved venues, similar to those allowing for alcohol consumption. Once these regulations are finalized, communities will be able to choose whether they opt into the new rules. 

In the coming months, the City will be reviewing the CCC’s regulations and is proactively seeking public feedback to help shape Somerville’s approach to cannabis social consumption. These licenses will create new opportunities for individuals and businesses to consume or serve cannabis in accordance with CCC regulations and guidelines. To inform Somerville’s approach, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City’s Economic Development division invite local businesses and residents to participate in upcoming forums to learn about and discuss options. 

For more information on cannabis social consumption, please visit: somervillema.gov/socialconsumption 

The City is hosting public forums for potential business operators and the public throughout the fall, beginning on September 30. 

Community Outreach Schedule: 

• Virtual forums for business operators interested in opening a cannabis social consumption establishment in Somerville:
  • Tuesday, September 30, at 11 a.m. online via Zoom
    • Zoom ID: 812 9581 3073
    • URL: bit.ly/45xhDzh
  • Monday, October 6, at 6 p.m. online via Zoom
    • Zoom ID: 848 8412 7712
    • URL: bit.ly/45LD5iQ
• In-person forums for the public to learn more and share your thoughts about cannabis social consumption:
  • Wednesday, October 29, at West Somerville Neighborhood School (177 Powder House Blvd.), 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, November 6, East Somerville Community School (50 Cross St.), 6 p.m.
• Virtual forum for the public to learn more and share thoughts about cannabis social consumption:
  • Monday, November 17, at 7 p.m. online via Zoom
    • Zoom ID: 859 2351 6298
    • URL: bit.ly/47dgD4x 

For more information about the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, the state agency that makes the rules for legal cannabis sales in Massachusetts, visit their website at www.masscannabiscontrol.com.  

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.  

The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter in your language for free. To request an interpreter, please contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311) at least 7 days in advance of an event.