The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission has taken a significant step to support cannabis delivery operators by approving draft regulations that remove the controversial two-driver rule, a change that is set to ease the financial burden on delivery companies and potentially improve their profitability.
The decision, made on Friday, marks a pivotal shift in the state’s cannabis delivery regulations. The two-driver rule, which mandated that every cannabis delivery be conducted by two drivers for security reasons, has been widely criticized for doubling the cost of each delivery and making it challenging for delivery operators to remain profitable. This rule was initially implemented as a security measure but has faced backlash from industry stakeholders who argued that it was an unnecessary barrier to success.
Commissioner Kimberly Roy expressed her satisfaction with the move, stating, “This is a long time in the making. I know there are folks in the room who have patiently been waiting and now they are here with us today. This just moves the ball forward to get to where we need to be—removing some unnecessary barriers that don’t need to be there.”
The new regulations, however, won’t take effect immediately. They are expected to be finalized by October or November, following a public comment period. The changes will allow single drivers to handle cannabis deliveries, potentially reducing operational costs for delivery companies. Additionally, the commission has extended the allowable delivery hours from the current window of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. to a new window of 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The draft regulations also address the amount of cannabis that can be carried in a delivery vehicle with only one driver. Under the new rules, vehicles operated by a single driver will be allowed to carry up to $5,000 worth of cannabis and cannabis products, while vehicles with two drivers can still carry up to $10,000 worth of product.
Devin Alexander, CEO and co-founder of cannabis delivery company Rolling Releaf, welcomed the changes, saying, “It’s about damn time to get these changes fixed that were voted on in December. I feel relief because the excitement was back in December and the excitement wears off after several months. You just want to get it done.” Alexander also praised the extended delivery hours, calling the move “huge” for his business.
Currently, only social equity businesses are eligible for delivery licenses in Massachusetts. The proposed changes aim to make these businesses more profitable by removing financial and operational hurdles. The exclusivity period for social equity businesses is set to end on April 1, 2025, but the commission will decide whether to extend it based on feedback from a working group expected to be formed later this month.
Commissioner Nurys Camargo emphasized the importance of careful regulation, stating, “It’s another historical day at the commission and for the commissioners. Policy takes time, especially if you want to do it right, and all of us have been so mindful about every single word.”
Despite the progress, some in the cannabis industry feel that the changes, while positive, have taken longer than necessary. Alexander reflected, “Low-hanging fruit shouldn’t take this long, so I think it was mischaracterized. Everything takes time, especially when you’re changing regulations. It’s unfortunate it took so long, but I’m just grateful it’s actually happening.”
The draft regulations represent a critical step in addressing the challenges faced by cannabis delivery operators in Massachusetts, with the potential to significantly impact the state’s cannabis delivery landscape once finalized.
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