Massachusetts Lawmakers Approve Cannabis Reform Bill
Massachusetts lawmakers have settled on a new structure for the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) and other amendments to how Massachusetts regulates marijuana. Lead negotiators Rep. Dan Donahue, D-16th Worcester, and…
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Massachusetts lawmakers have settled on a new structure for the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) and other amendments to how Massachusetts regulates marijuana.
Lead negotiators Rep. Dan Donahue, D-16th Worcester, and Sen. Adam Gomez, D-Hampden, said the House and Senate are each anticipated to approve marijuana industry reform legislation this week.
“The legislation includes a new structure that provides clear accountability and enhances the operations of the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). The bill creates new opportunities for small businesses to grow, while providing those historically harmed by marijuana laws with temporary, exclusive access to those opportunities,” Donahue and Gomez said in a joint statement shared with State House News Service.
Under the overhaul of the state's marijuana laws, the current Cannabis Control Commission would be dissolved and downsized from five to three members, all to be appointed by the governor.
According to an NBC10 Boston report, the compromise legislation (H 5350) was finalized on Monday, April 6, by four Democrats on the conference committee. Since the start of the year, this committee has been reconciling differences between the House and Senate versions of the bills.
Below are some of the items identified under the marijuana industry reform legislation:
- The reform package restructures the CCC to improve accountability and regulatory effectiveness. It would give the governor sole authority to appoint CCC members in the final framework.
- Licensing caps would be raised, allowing up to six licenses per ownership entity. It would also provide immediate access for social equity participants and five licenses for other businesses for one year to help struggling cannabis operators.
- The legislation would strengthen CCC oversight, increase transparency, create a public portal to report illegal activity, and fund studies on public health, tax reporting, and workplace safety.
- Other changes would increase purchase limits, create a debt-delinquency list, and allow in-store and opt-in email promotions.
- The possession limit for adults would rise to three ounces. Equity ownership requirements for cannabis businesses would increase to 20% to broaden participation in licensing.
Additionally, the conference committee bill notes that CCC Executive Director Travis Ahern "shall continue in their role with all the powers and duties authorized in statute or delegated by the commissioners and in place at the time of transfer" until or unless the newly-appointed chair takes other action.
