Light up, but don't drink, at Mass.'s new cannabis lounges

Cannabis businesses in Massachusetts now have a legal framework for social consumption lounges, paving the way for "pot bars" to open across the state next year.

Why it matters: The approval creates a new social-use market in Massachusetts, creating venues where adults can legally consume cannabis outside private homes for the first time — and gives the state's cannabis industry a major growth path beyond retail sales.

What's happening: State regulators approved regulations Thursday to finally allow cannabis businesses to offer on-site consumption, something voters declared they wanted almost a decade ago.

• The long-awaited rules let dispensaries, lounges and other venues sell and serve cannabis products for use on-site.
• Lounges' debuts have the potential to transform the state's $8 billion cannabis market and bring new businesses to storefronts and strip malls.

Reality check: Some cannabis businesses have built spaces meant for consumption and waited years for state approval.

What they're saying: "No licensed social consumption business will be allowed to serve alcohol or tobacco," Cannabis Control Commissioner Bruce Stebbins wrote in an op-ed about the new rules last month.

State of play: Three license types have been created.

• Supplemental, for existing cannabis businesses.
• Hospitality, for non-cannabis venues like yoga studios or anywhere else that wants to let you light up.
• Event organizer, for temporary events and one-offs.

Yes, but: Municipalities still retain local control over whether to allow consumption sites, so businesses will need to get the blessing of their town or city hall before opening.

The big picture: Massachusetts is in line to be the 12th state and the only one in New England to permit regulated cannabis consumption venues.

Zoom in: Regulators built extensive safety requirements into the draft rules after studying programs in other states.

• Lounges will have to offer mandatory rideshare plans for customers so they don't drive home.
• No alcohol will be allowed at consumption sites.
• Food and water service will be required.
• Employees will be trained to spot impairment.
• Pot sales must end 30 minutes before closing.

Of note: Participants in the CCC's social equity program would get first access to the licenses.

What's next: Individual cities and towns need to opt into the new social consumption system through local zoning changes or referendums before any venues can open.

The bottom line: Final approval and local zoning decisions still lie ahead, so the lounges are not yet guaranteed.

• But when they open, lounges will revolutionize how marijuana is consumed in Mass.