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Marijuana Regulation
Thank you for your interest in marijuana establishments (“ME”) and/or medical treatment centers (“MTC) in the City of Framingham. This webpage has been developed to provide information and to serve as a guide for the better understanding of the regulation, permitting, and agreement process within the City for marijuana establishment and medical treatment centers.
Important Regulations
Marijuana Policies of the Mayor
- Policy on Host Community Agreement for Marijuana Establishments and Marijuana Treatment Centers
- Policy on Social Equity and Certified Economic Empowerment Applicants for Marijuana Establishments and Marijuana Treatment Centers
Regulatory Ordinances
- City of Framingham Charter & City Code
- Chapter 318 Marijuana, Article I Public Consumption and Personal Use of Marijuana
- Chapter 318 Marijuana, Article II Marijuana Establishments
Board of Health Regulations
- Chapter 480 Marijuana, Article I Smoking of Marijuana or Tetrahydrocannabinol
- Chapter 480 Marijuana, Article II Medical Marijuana
- Chapter 480 Marijuana, Article III Adult Use Marijuana
- Regulations of the Framingham Board of Health Regulating the Sale of Medical Marijuana (2015)
- Framingham Board of Health Adult-Use Regulations to Ensure Sanitary and Safe Operation of the Sale of Adult-Use Marijuana (amended 2019)
Zoning Regulations
- Framingham Zoning Ordinances (published October 2023)
- Chapter 435 Zoning Regulations
- Framingham Zoning Map
- Summary Zoning Regulations
Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Laws and Regulations
Marijuana Advisory Team (MAT)
The Marijuana Advisory Team (MAT) serves as a formal advisory group to the Mayor and is responsible for reviewing all Host Community Agreement (HCA) Applications submitted on behalf of marijuana establishments and medical marijuana treatment centers. MAT members include the Chief Operating Officer, the Building Commissioner, the Director of Planning & Community Development, the Director of the Department of Public Health, the Chief of Fire, the Chief of Police, the Chief Financial Officer, and the City Solicitor, or each Director’s respective designee.
MAT meetings are scheduled following the completion of an HCA application. An HCA application with all required fields and supporting materials must be completed prior to a MAT meeting being scheduled. Following the review of an HCA application and all requested supporting materials, MAT issues a recommendation to the Mayor on whether or not to execute an HCA between the City and the applicant. The City is not obligated to enter into an HCA with any applicant, or to do so within a set time period.
Click here Version Options Marijuana Regulation Headline to review the MAT Scoring Sheet and Criteria for the evaluation of HCA Applications.
Host Community Agreement (HCA) Application Process
The City is currently accepting applications for marijuana retail establishments. The City is limited to nine (9) Host Community Agreements (HCA) for marijuana retail establishments pursuant to the Framingham General By-Laws. One HCA for a marijuana retail license is reserved for Social Equity Business applicants.
HCA Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and evaluated by MAT upon completion of all requested information. A proposed application must be in compliance with all applicable state and city laws, regulations, and standards.
Click here Version Options Marijuana Regulation Headline to submit a Marijuana Host Community Agreement application.
For any questions on the application process, please contact the MAT Administrator, Jasmine Choate, by email at jasmine.choate@framinghamma.gov.
Marijuana Host Community Agreement Process
| 1 | Applicant to review all City Marijuana Regulations and Policies |
| 2 | Applicant to submit Minor Site Plan Review application with the Planning Board pursuant to Framingham Regulatory Ordinances Chapter 435 Zoning §435-47* |
| 3 | Applicant to gather all required application information and supporting materials |
| 4 | Applicant to submit a Host Community Agreement Application electronically through OpenGov |
| 5 | MAT to review application for completeness before scheduling an introductory meeting with Applicant |
| 6 | MAT to host meeting(s) with Applicant to review application and determine recommendation |
| 7 | Applicant may be required to provide additional information, materials, documents, or plans as requested by MAT |
| 8 | Applicant to advertise and host a Community Outreach Meeting pursuant to 935 CMR 500.101 (1)(a)(9) and 935 CMR 501.101 (1)(a)(9) |
| 9 | MAT to issue recommendation to the Mayor and notify the Applicant on whether or not an HCA will be granted |
| 10 | If applicable, City and Applicant to execute a Host Community Agreement that complies with 935 CMR 500.180 and 935 CMR 501.180 |
* Visit the Planning Board webpage or the Planning & Community Development Office for the site plan review application process.
Other City Permit Applications
- Public Health Marijuana Operating Plan Review and Permit Application
- Planning Board Process, Application, Fees, and Schedules
- Building & Structure Permits, Applications, Fees
Fee Schedule
There is no fee required to submit an HCA application; however, applicants should be advised that additional fees may apply to the operate a ME or MTC within the City according to fee schedules established by other City entities, including but not limited to, the following:
Host Community Agreement Application: $ 0.00
Additional fees (may be applicable):
Initial Registered Marijuana Dispensary Operating Permit $ 2,000.00
Registered Marijuana Dispensary Operating Permit $ 500.00 (annually)
Dispensary Agent Permit $ 100.00 (annually)
Building and Inspectional Service Permits Click here to view Fee Schedule
Planning Board Site Plan Review Click here to view Fee Schedule