Massachusetts Legislature Sends Bill to ‘Modernize’ Cannabis Program to Governor’s Desk
Massachusetts legislation to contemporize the state’s cannabis laws gained uncontested support among House and Senate lawmakers this week and is now heading to Gov. Maura Healey’s desk. Pending the democratic executive’s signature, it’ll be out with the old, in with the new.
The legislation, An Act Modernizing the Commonwealth’s Cannabis Laws, is jam-packed with updates to the Bay State’s 11-year-old medical and 7-year-old adult-use programs. It also includes sweeping implications for intoxicating hemp products.
The centerpiece of the bill includes an overhaul of the state’s Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), reducing the number of commissioners from five to three – all appointed by the governor – and clarifying that the regulatory body’s executive director reports directly to the CCC chair. The legislation mandates specific duties and timelines for the CCC to follow, including the development of various reports.
The legislation would also increase business license limits to six; double dispensary purchase limits to 2 ounces of flower; remove a requirement that medical cannabis businesses be vertically integrated; loosen restrictions on advertising; establish an online tips portal for anonymous complaints of suspected program violations; install a credit compliance tool through a public delinquency list of licensees who haven’t paid their debts; and promote the growth of small and equity-driven businesses.
In addition, the bill would direct the CCC to adopt potency-based equivalency standards for purchase limits on concentrates and other products.
These provisions – and others – represent reconciliations among bicameral lawmakers ahead of this week’s final passage. After House members voted, 155-0, to pass the legislation on April 8, the Senate approved the measure by voice vote on April 9.
Sen. Adam Gómez, D-Hampden, who co-chaired the bicameral committee, said ahead of Thursday’s floor vote that the finalized legislation reflects months of testimony and “years of lived industry experience” from municipalities, public health experts, small businesses, workers, patients and community advocates.
“Our industry has matured, and our regulatory system has not always kept pace,” he said. “What we present today strengthens oversight. It clarifies governance. It supports economic stability for operators. It improves public health reporting and expands equitable participation and brings consistency to consumer access.”
In the House, Rep. Daniel M. Donahue, D-Worcester, who also co-chaired the bicameral committee, said ahead of Wednesday’s floor vote that the legislation aims to provide the commonwealth with the “most effective and efficient” regulatory framework to help ensure licensed cannabis businesses can succeed.
“I think some of these regulatory changes have been a long time coming and are something that we should be proud that we’re undertaking to support our businesses,” he said.
