Massachusetts Greenlights On-Site Cannabis Consumption in Yoga Studios, Theaters, and More
BOSTON, Mass. — In a landmark move that could reshape the social landscape of cannabis use, Massachusetts has approved regulations permitting on-site marijuana consumption at licensed businesses beyond traditional dispensaries. The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (MCCC) unanimously voted 4-0 on December 11 to allow non-cannabis establishments such as yoga studios, theaters, and other venues to obtain licenses to host cannabis consumption areas.
This decision marks the first significant expansion of cannabis business models in the state’s regulated industry in five years, enabling adults aged 21 and older to purchase and consume cannabis products on-site at licensed Marijuana Establishments (MEs), sanctioned events, and partner non-cannabis businesses. According to the MCCC, these new licenses will open economic opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly those disproportionately affected by past drug policies.
Chair Shannon O’Brien emphasized that Massachusetts residents have been eagerly awaiting the chance to socially consume marijuana in regulated environments. “We look forward to the economic opportunities these new license types will offer to small businesses and entrepreneurs who have been disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs,” O’Brien said in a press release.
While the regulations take effect immediately, social consumption licenses are not yet available for application. The MCCC is currently developing an implementation plan to guide the rollout of new consumption establishment applications, including vendor training and compliance guidance. This phased approach aims to ensure that consumption venues operate safely and within the regulatory framework.
The move aligns with broader shifts in federal cannabis policy. In December 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug under the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) guidelines. Previously, marijuana was classified alongside substances such as heroin and LSD, but the new classification places it alongside drugs like Tylenol with codeine and anabolic steroids, which are considered to have a moderate to low potential for dependence.
The DEA’s rescheduling is expected to facilitate expanded medical research and reduce barriers to patient access. Commissioner Kimberly Roy of the MCCC praised the executive order as a “significant step forward for public health and patient care in the United States,” noting that it aligns federal policy more closely with scientific understanding.
Massachusetts’ new social consumption framework reflects a growing trend among states to integrate cannabis use into social and recreational venues beyond dispensaries. By allowing yoga studios and theaters to host consumption areas, the state is pioneering innovative business models that blend cannabis with wellness and entertainment experiences.
However, the MCCC has indicated that certain consumption methods, such as smoking and vaping, may face restrictions in specific public spaces, following concerns about public health and environmental impact. For example, smoking and vaping have been banned at some of Massachusetts’ most popular beaches and parks, underscoring the commission’s commitment to balancing access with community welfare.
As Massachusetts embarks on this new chapter of cannabis regulation, stakeholders anticipate a wave of new business ventures and social venues that could redefine how adults experience marijuana. The state’s approach may serve as a model for other jurisdictions considering similar expansions of cannabis consumption.
For more information on Massachusetts cannabis regulations, visit the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission. Details on federal drug scheduling and policy changes can be found at the Drug Enforcement Administration and the White House official website.
Leave a Reply