Boston's World Cup welcome includes soccer, history and legal cannabis.

Massachusetts dispensaries are preparing for an influx of World Cup visitors to Greater Boston this summer, where recreational cannabis is legal for adults 21 and older; local officials and shop owners say outlets near transit and tourist sites expect more first-time buyers and will emphasize consumer education.

Boston will host World Cup matches this summer as part of a larger season of events tied to the United States' 250th anniversary, and local cannabis retailers are preparing for a spike in visitors. Organizers estimate about 2 million people may visit Greater Boston during the tournament and related festivities. Several dispensaries near downtown tourist sites and major transit hubs expect increased foot traffic from domestic and international fans. Local business owners and industry groups say staff training and public education will be part of how they respond to new customers. Known details: - Boston 26, the local host committee, estimates roughly 2 million visitors to the region from mid-June through early July during the World Cup and related events. - Gillette Stadium in Foxborough (rebranded as Boston Stadium for the tournament) will host multiple World Cup matches and is a major transit destination for match-day crowds. - Massachusetts allows recreational cannabis sales to adults 21 and older and permits licensed dispensaries to accept passports and out-of-state identification, though some shops may set stricter ID policies. - Local dispensary owners quoted in the article, including operators of Apex Noire and Firebrand Cannabis, say they expect many visitors will be first-time legal buyers and that staff will need to provide education about products and state law. - State officials noted that public education resources and guidance exist through the Cannabis Control Commission and that public smoking, air travel with cannabis, and transporting it across state lines remain restricted. Summary: Local cannabis retailers and industry groups expect the World Cup and concurrent 250th-anniversary events to increase visitor demand in Boston, prompting a focus on consumer education and staffing near transit and tourist areas. Undetermined at this time.