Massachusetts cannabis authorities want to hear from you -- the casual smoker, genuine stoner, intrigued entrepreneur or any other stakeholder in the state's pot industry.
State officials are finalizing regulations for on-site cannabis use, the sort of rules that will, for the first time, license businesses to allow customers to enjoy weed products in person.
Also known as social consumption, it would mean the introduction of lounges or bars that could serve marijuana just as a regular bar serves alcohol.
But the regulations would also open up a variety of other businesses and venues to legal marijuana use.
Existing marijuana businesses, such as dispensaries or farms, could be licensed to add on-site consumption areas to their facilities.
Non-cannabis businesses, from yoga studios to spas to theaters, could be licensed to host cannabis consumption activities in partnership with typical cannabis companies.
And organizers of festivals, concerts or similar short-term events could apply for temporary licenses to allow marijuana use on site, with approval from their local officials.
The state's Cannabis Control Commission approved the proposed regulations on July 29 and last week opened a public comment period, inviting feedback from interested parties before it finalizes the regulations.
Comments can be submitted by email to [email protected] with the subject line, "Social Consumption." The deadline is 5 p.m. on Sept. 8.
Commissioners are also seeking feedback on specific potential regulations, including training for cannabis venue vendors, the sale of shelf-stable foods not infused with cannabis, purchase limits, the prohibition on alcohol and tobacco sales at the venues, discounts and promotional pricing rules, ventilation requirements and "cooling down areas" -- set-aside spots within venues where consumers can come down from a high.
To provide feedback on those topics, complete this form.
The commission also plans to host a public hearing on Sept. 8 at its Worcester headquarters so constituents can give testimony in person.
"We want to hear from as many people as possible to make the Massachusetts social consumption model a leader in the nation," Commission Acting Chair Bruce Stebbins said last month.
Even after the commission approves the regulations, cities and towns will need to "opt-in" to allow social consumption businesses by adopting new ordinances or laws and changing zoning regulations. They could also allow the businesses through a constituent vote.