Massachusetts Cannabis Commission Overhaul Advances
Lawmakers have agreed to a new structure for the Cannabis Control Commission and other changes to the ways Massachusetts regulates marijuana.
The three representatives and three senators who since January have been working through the differences between legislation passed by the House and Senate last year plan to meet at 1 p.m. Monday in Springfield to formalize the agreement.
Lead negotiators Rep. Daniel Donahue of Worcester and Sen. Adam Gomez of Springfield said the House and Senate are each expected to approve the compromise version 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. “This bill will allow them to realize their capital and pursue innovative models such as employee-owned businesses.”
Details of the compromise were not immediately available.
Both chambers’ bills remove the treasurer’s appointing authority and shrink the CCC from five members to three. Under the Senate bill, two members would be appointed by the governor and one by the attorney general. The House bill would give the governor full control over commission appointments.
Both bills also raise the amount of marijuana a person can legally possess from one to two ounces.
