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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Recreational marijuana home deliveries are one step closer to reality in Massachusetts.
With a few last-minute tweaks to the language, the state's Cannabis Control Commission approved new regulations that pave the way for delivery, as well as a pilot program for "social consumption facilities"—meaning pot cafes.
Law enforcement and Gov. Charlie Baker have raised concerns about home delivery, and the risks to delivery drivers.
The new regulations address some of those concerns with requirements that drivers wear body cameras, lock up their cash, and never let the cash they carry exceed a certain amount.
"We feel it's the right thing to do," CCC Chairman Steve Hoffman told WBZ NewsRadio's Shari Small. "We feel like we have found a good balance between trying to meet the will of the voters, but recognizing that there are concerns from a public health, public safety standpoint."
Hoffman cautioned that it may be some time before either cafes or home delivery are up and running.
"It's going to take a while for social consumption," he said. "There has to be, we believe, a change—at least according to the Secretary of State, there has to be a change—in state law. That legislation has been filed. Once that's filed, then we'll start getting more specific about the program."
Companies wishing to start delivery service will first have to obtain agreements with the towns and cities where they want to operate.
"I think delivery is still going to take a while," Hoffman said. "We have to make sure that we have the applications on our site, but you'll see more action, I think, sooner on delivery than you will on social consumption, just based on state law."
As primarily a formality, the new regulations still need to be approved by the Secretary of State.
WBZ NewsRadio's Shari Small (@ShariSmallNews) reports
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