For a long time, social consumption lounges have been a sort of “White Whale” in the adult-use cannabis industry, murmured about and pursued but rarely spotted. Luckily for us Captain Ahabs, a number of state legislatures have begun taking action on developing a licensing and operational framework for social consumption lounges and cannabis events permitting consumption. The Cannabis Control Commission of Massachusetts issued its proposed rules and licensing structure at the end of 2024 (see Social Consumption Lounges in Massachusetts: Proposed Rules for more information). Most recently at the end of January, Maryland’s house and senate also took action by introducing two complementary bills to establish rules and to regulate the hosting of events permitting cannabis consumption in the Old Line State (Legislation – HB0132 and Legislation – SB0215). Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York have also recently taken steps towards developing and enhancing the social consumption lounge regime in their respective states.

Both Maryland bills remain under review of the respective finance committees, but here is a quick hitter summary on the contents.

• Initially, the state would accept applications for 15 licenses that would permit the serving of single-serving, infused beverages and edibles sourced from third-party operators.
• Neither the smoking of cannabis nor the infusion of foods and beverages on-site would be permitted.
• Licensed locations would provide the Maryland Cannabis Administration at least 60 days advance notice of an event involving cannabis consumption. Therefore, this license type wouldn’t operate as a social consumption lounge, but would permit a location to host a temporary cannabis event where the consumption of cannabis products is permitted.

As you can see, the proposed bills are quite restrictive, but I choose to view progress as is and take solace in the old adage, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”