Marijuana lounges are about to become a reality in Massachusetts. Here’s what they will lo

November 7, 2025

Former Boston city councilor Tito Jackson plans to apply for a social consumption license for a rooftop lounge connected to his Apex Noire cannabis store in downtown Boston. The Cannabis Control Commission is slated to take a final vote on social consumption Friday. Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff

Cannabis cafes are poised to become a reality in Massachusetts, with state officials slated to take a final vote on the matter on Friday.

The approval, many years in the making, would pave the way for entrepreneurs to apply for social consumption licenses.

“There are some really cool opportunities for people in the hospitality and wellness [industries],” said Tito Jackson, a former Boston city councilor who plans to apply to open a rooftop cannabis lounge connected to his downtown Boston dispensary, Apex Noire.

The Cannabis Control Commission has said its regulations are aimed to “ensure a safe, successful rollout,” with commissioners touting health and safety efforts such as requiring employee training to detect over-consumption and business transportation plans.

Here’s what we know about what’s been proposed so far. (The commission may still make changes before its final vote.)

Despite the green haze often around parts ofthe Boston Common, it’s illegal to consume marijuana in public. Violators can be fined up to $100.

Where and when will these businesses open?

Towns and cities — even those with zoning for recreational “adult use” cannabis — will need to opt in for social consumption through resident petitions, or adopting new ordinances or zoning regulations, before businesses pop up.

As for when cannabis lounges could open, it depends on how quickly municipalities sign off.Some municipalities, such as Somerville, are already holding meetings on the topic.

What sorts of ‘social consumption’ places will be allowed?

The commission has proposed three license types: add-on spaces or “tasting rooms” for existing cannabis businesses such as dispensaries; a temporary events license; and a third category for typically non-cannabis-related hospitality businesses such as restaurants, theaters, and yoga studios who want to partner with marijuana establishments.

What kinds of products are permitted? Can I bring my own?

(Almost) anything you can think of. Edibles, vapes, joints, and oils are fair game, although you’d only be allowed to consume products purchased at the business — nothing from outside.Pot-infused prepared foods or meals won’t be allowed, though prepackaged edibles, such as chocolates or gummies, will be.

Alcohol and tobacco products won’t be allowed.

So does this mean people can smoke and vape inside?

Yes, sort of. Businesses that want to let people smoke indoors have to follow stringent ventilation and air filtration requirements.

A participant smoked during a Bhang Yoga class at Diaspora, a private membership cannabis club in Cambridge, earlier this year. Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe

For places with outdoor smoking areas, businesses need to “show effort” toward preventing odors from traveling beyond the premises.

There will also be a limit on how much cannabis people can buy per day and the portion sizes per serving. Sam Kanter, owner of the marijuana-infused catering service Dinner at Mary’s and a cannabis yoga studio, said such rules will make the customer experience “clunky.”

“Education can replace cap limits,” said Kanter, whose businesses operate as private, ticketed events. “We’re adults, we know how to dose ourselves.”

Other proposed regulations, including the required separation of sales areas from consumption areas, may hurt the business flow, she added, since customers will have to go to a separate space each time they wish to order.

“It’s critical these regulations are not overly burdensome and create red tape and additional costs for social equity participants,” said Tito Jackson, a former Boston city councilor who plans to apply for a license to open a cannabis lounge at his downtown Boston dispensary, Apex Noire.Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff

Will these places try to keep customers from getting uncomfortably high?

The commission has proposed that each business must have a “cooling down area.” Smoked too much? You may be asked to go to a separate, cannabis-free room, with water and signage with information on transportation options and substance use.

Business owners like Kanter are not thrilled about it and have voiced concerns in public meetings.

“It’s the dunce cap of being too high,” she said. “It’s not helpful for someone too high to sit in a room by themselves.”

Sam Kanter, owner of Dinner at Mary’s, showed off a serving of pumpkin ravioli in 2020. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff

Who will be eligible to apply for a social consumption license?

The cannabis commission hopes that social consumption will help it make progress on one of its goals — spreading the financial benefits of legalization to communities that were targeted by the war on drugs.

For the first five years, social consumption licenses will be exclusively available to entrepreneurs in the commission’s social equity or economic empowerment programs, or those with microbusiness or craft cooperative licenses.

Some are still worried municipal bureaucratic hurdles will make it too expensive for disadvantaged business owners to be successful.

“We need to make sure the opportunities align with the benefits,” said Nairoby Sanchez, an aspiring cannabis entrepreneur and equity advocate in Lowell.

Other people in the industry, including Jackson, said that investments like cooling down rooms or a high-end ventilation system may also pose a financial barrier for entrepreneurs.

“It’s critical these regulations are not overly burdensome and create red tape and additional costs for social equity participants,” he said.


Yogev Toby can be reached at yogev.toby@globe.com.