Massachusetts House Passes Cannabis Control Commission Overhaul Bill
In a move to enhance the Cannabis Control Commission’s (CCC) efficiency and accountability, the Massachusetts House unanimously passed a significant bill on Wednesday aimed at restructuring the embattled agency. This legislative action follows a year of mounting concerns regarding the CCC’s operations, particularly after state Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro highlighted the agency’s lack of direction.
The bill arrives amid recent turmoil within the CCC, including the firing of former chair Shannon O’Brien, who is currently contesting her dismissal in court. With only three of its five seats filled, the commission faces challenges in regulating the burgeoning cannabis industry, including ongoing licensing efforts for social consumption venues such as cafes.
House Speaker Ron Mariano emphasized that the CCC’s issues stem from structural flaws rather than personnel problems. The new legislation proposes that the governor appoint a full-time chair and two part-time associate commissioners, thereby aiming for a more cohesive and accountable structure while maintaining the commissioners’ independence in policy-making.
In addition to agency restructuring, the bill seeks to raise the cap on retail licenses an individual or entity can hold and increase daily purchase limits for consumers. It also aims to deregulate the medical marijuana business model, allowing new retail-only dispensaries to emerge.
Despite the bill’s potential benefits, advocacy groups like Equitable Opportunities Now have raised alarms over provisions that could weaken small businesses in favor of larger corporations. Co-founder Shanel Lindsay expressed concerns that these changes could create an unfair competitive landscape, ultimately jeopardizing Massachusetts’ efforts to cultivate an equitable cannabis market.
The bill now heads to the state Senate for further consideration, with leaders there yet to outline their preferences for the CCC’s future.
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