On-site marijuana consumption has received the green light in the Bay State, allowing hospitality businesses to offer cannabis to consumers.

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (MCCC) unanimously approved the decision in a 4-0 vote on Dec. 11. Under the new rule, non-cannabis businesses such as yoga studios and movie theaters can obtain a cannabis license to host consumption areas.

"The first new cannabis business models to be introduced to Massachusetts’ regulated industry in five years will allow adults ages 21 and older to buy and consume cannabis on-site at licensed Marijuana Establishments (MEs), sanctioned events and non-cannabis businesses that partner with licensees," the MCCC press release notes.

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Chair Shannon O’Brien said Massachusetts residents have been "eagerly" waiting to socially consume marijuana, according to the release.

"We look forward to the economic opportunities these new license types will offer to small businesses and entrepreneurs who have been disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs," said O’Brien.

The regulations take effect immediately. Social consumption licenses, however, are not yet available.

The commission will be working on an implementation plan to create new consumption establishment applications along with guidance and vendor training, the release noted.

MCCC recently praised President Donald Trump for his executive order in December reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug.

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Marijuana previously was labeled a Schedule 1 drug under the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations — the same category the agency uses for drugs including heroin, ecstasy and LSD.

Under the new Schedule III classification, marijuana is now in a category alongside drugs like Tylenol with codeine and anabolic steroids, which the agency claims arethe  ones with a "moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence."

"President Trump’s Executive Order expediting rescheduling of cannabis marks a significant step forward for public health and patient care in the United States," said Commissioner Kimberly Roy in a press release at the time.  

"By aligning federal policy more closely with science, this action will help remove long-standing barriers to medical research and open the door to safer, more effective treatments for people living with chronic and debilitating conditions," Roy added.

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In a recent study, researchers at UC San Francisco determined that eating edible cannabis, such as gummies, has the same impact on cardiovascular risk as smoking marijuana.

The risk stems from reduced blood vessel function, with the study finding that cannabis users were found to have "decreased vascular function," comparable to those who smoke tobacco.

Their blood vessel function was roughly half compared to those who did not use cannabis, with the side effect linked to a higher risk of heart attack, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions, the researchers noted.

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"Chronic cannabis smoking and THC ingestion were associated with endothelial dysfunction [impaired functioning of the endothelial cells lining the inside of blood vessels] similar to that observed in tobacco smokers, although apparently occurring via distinct mechanisms," the researchers wrote.

"This study enhances the understanding of the potential risks to vascular health linked to cannabis use and provides more evidence that cannabis use is not benign."

Fox News Digital reached out to the Massachusetts Department of Health for comment.

Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy and Diana Stancey contributed reporting. 

Portland Police Chief Bob Day wiped away tears Friday as he addressed new information showing that two illegal immigrants shot during a federal immigration enforcement encounter had ties to the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA).

Day confirmed a Department of Homeland Security statement identifying the two individuals — Luis David Nico Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras — as Venezuelan criminal illegal aliens with suspected ties to TdA.

Both were shot by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent after Moncada, the driver of the vehicle, allegedly "weaponized his vehicle" and attempted to run over agents, prompting an agent to fire in self-defense, according to DHS.

"They do have some nexus to involvement with TDA. We can confirm that," Day said, pausing and choking up.

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Day said he initially hesitated to disclose the suspected gang connection, citing what he described as the "historic injustice of victim blaming" by law enforcement, including within his own agency.

"I want to speak for just a moment, specifically to my Latino community," Day said.

"It saddens me that we even have to qualify these remarks because I understand or at least have attempted to understand your voices, your concern, your fear, your anger," Day said, removing his glasses mid-sentence and wiping tears from his eyes. 

"This information, in no way, is meant to disparage or to condone or support or agree with any of the actions that occurred yesterday," the chief added.

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Day emphasized that he was disclosing the suspected gang ties for transparency only and that the information should not be interpreted as excusing or justifying the shooting, which remains under investigation.

"But it is important that we stay committed to the rule of law, that we stay committed to the facts, that we stay a trustworthy and legitimate police department for all Portlanders," he said.

Day said both suspects remain hospitalized in stable condition and are in federal custody.

"They are in custody of federal law enforcement, but they appear to be on the road to recovery, and I’m grateful for that," Day said.

DHS has rejected early reports suggesting the two were a married couple, calling such claims "revolting lies." The agency said instead that Moncada was a suspected gang associate and that Zambrano-Contreras was allegedly involved in a TdA-linked prostitution operation.

Day has come under fire previously from Camilla Wamsley, the director of Portland’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office, who said the facility has endured dozens of nights of violence and that Portland police have been largely absent while responding to protests under direction from the mayor and city council.

Day has previously stated that his force will not assist in immigration enforcement operations, but noted that Portland Police manages public safety in the surrounding neighborhoods during demonstrations.