Massachusetts Could Allow Legal Pot Sales in Several Weeks

The board overseeing Massachusetts’ fledgling recreational marijuana industry has approved its first retail licenses to two dispensaries, nearly two years since voters legalized recreational pot use. Sales could begin later this month.

The state’s Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), which has been criticized for the slow pace of its licensing process, approved two retail dispensary licenses at its Oct. 4 meeting. The companies that won the licenses still have to fulfill several other requirements—including a final inspection—before the board will allow the dispensaries to open.

“This is a big milestone, no doubt about it,” said CCC Chairman Steven J. Hoffman ...