Massachusetts Lawmakers Send Bill to Governor to Restructure Cannabis Control Commission

Lawmakers in Massachusetts sent a conference committee agreement to Governor Maura Healey on Thursday. The bill includes an emergency preamble, allowing it to take effect the day it is signed. Healey has 10 days to sign, veto, or return the bill with amendments.

The agreement calls for dissolving the current Cannabis Control Commission and reducing its size from five members to three. It grants all appointing power to the governor, removing the roles of the attorney general and treasurer in the process. The governor would have 30 days to make new appointments.

The commission has faced internal conflicts, including the suspension and firing of the chairwoman, which a judge later ruled improper.

Conflicts The chairwoman returned to the commission last year after the court ruling but has since had disputes with Executive Director Travis Ahern, who was hired during her absence.

The current commission members include the chairwoman, Bruce Stebbins, Kimberly Roy, and Carrie Benedon. After the chairwoman was fired in 2024, Healey said, “I respect the decision made by the treasurer. ” She added at the time: “As I’ve said in the past, I will do whatever I can as governor and working with my administration to support the ongoing work of the Cannabis Commission.

” The bill specifies that the CCC chair would handle personnel and administrative matters, with the executive director reporting directly to the chair.

Conference committee co-chair Representative Dan Donahue said the structure would create accountability, transparency, and efficiencies in regulating the cannabis industry. Co-chair Senator Adam Gomez stated that the leadership setup insulates enforcement functions from political pressure or conflict.

Donahue added that the measure signals support for the industry and ensures a regulator ready to operate from the start. O’Brien issued a statement on April 6 committing to changes in the cannabis industry for public health, safety, and business support. She mentioned plans to address testing fraud and increase data transparency.

The commission has a public meeting scheduled for April 16. The restructuring could affect operations by altering oversight and appointment processes.

Further developments depend on Healey's action within the 10-day period.