Business & Tech
MA Retail Cannabis Stores Could Reopen By Memorial Day
The Cannabis Control Commission is allowing many businesses to resume operations this week under an order issued Monday.
WORCESTER, MA — Recreational marijuana retailers in Massachusetts will be allowed to reopen on Memorial Day under Gov. Charlie Baker's new guidelines for reopening the state's economy after coronavirus, but the buying experience will look very different.
The Worcester-based Cannabis Control Commission on Monday issued its own order giving the green light to marijuana cultivators, manufactures, and testing businesses to start operations this week. The same order allows recreational stores to reopen on May 25.
When retailers do reopen, they will be required to sell products at curbside. Patrons and employees will have to wear masks, and will have to keep 6 feet of distance at all times. Retailers will also have to create workplace health and safety plans to prevent coronavirus.
Retail marijuana businesses — along with many other "nonessential" businesses in the state — closed the day after Baker's March 23 order banning gatherings in excess of 10 people.
A group of marijuana retailers sued to overturn the ban, arguing that they were as essential as the liquor stores and medical marijuana businesses that Baker allowed to stay open. A Superior Court judge ruled against them in mid-April.
Read more on Massachusetts reopening after coronavirus:
- Coronavirus Delays, Restrictions Leave MA Restaurants At A Loss
- Places Of Worship Proceed With Caution With Green Light To Reopen
- MA Recreation: Parks, Beaches, Courts, More Opening Memorial Day
- MA Reopening Plan: When Each Industry Is Slated To Return
- MA Child Care To Expand, Summer Camps Can Reopen In Later Phases
- Hair Care, Other Services Can Resume May 25: MA Reopening
