Illinois, Maine pondering marijuana consumption measures

Illinois and Maine are the latest states considering enacting regulations for marijuana consumption at venues and events.Two companion measures, House Bill 3061 and Senate Bill 1772, were recently introduced in the Illinois Assembly that would allow municipalities to issue licenses for temporary events and venues for cannabis consumption, including infused products.

ADVERTISEMENT “Cannabis folks like to gather and we deserve to do it in safe, legal spaces,” Madeline Scanlon, co-founder of the Illinois Cannabis Consumption Association, told MJBizDaily.The trade group, established in 2023, drafted the bills and lobbied both chambers to support the legislation.

The proposals would allow businesses such as cafes, music venues, art galleries and yoga studios to host marijuana events.Special cannabis event permits would allow festivals, industry events and other private gatherings to include consumption spaces.

The sale of cannabis accessories would also be allowed at special events.The bills include requirements for air ventilation systems in zoned indoor areas for smoking and vaping, consistent with regulations in other markets, such as Las Vegas.

Consumption areas at outdoor venues must be obscured from public sight.Meanwhile, a push is underway in Maine to finally enact consumption regulations – nine years after voters legalized an adult-use market.

According to the Portland Press Herald, a task force at the state’s Office of Cannabis Policy is recommending legislation to regulate “cannabis hospitality establishments.” ADVERTISEMENT The group specifically highlighted cannabis-specific trade shows and consumption lounges as licensing options.Lawmakers rewrote the adult-use cannabis law in 2017 and in 2018, eliminating on-site consumption to secure enough votes to override the veto of former Gov.

Paul LePage, the Press Herald reported.Chris Casacchia can...