The cannabis industry in Massachusetts is facing another shakeup as the former chair of the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), Shannon O’Brien, has been fired following a legal battle with State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg. O’Brien’s dismissal comes amid ongoing concerns about attracting qualified candidates to lead the commission, with Goldberg acknowledging the challenges in a landscape where state lawmakers are simultaneously considering changes to the agency’s oversight.
Goldberg, who appointed Bruce Stebbins as acting chair, has expressed concern about attracting strong candidates while state lawmakers are debating potential changes to the commission’s structure. “We’ve made a commitment to begin looking. It might prove to be more challenging because those who might consider it [the state Legislature] might be concerned about changes that could take place,” Goldberg told reporters.
The state’s scrutiny of the CCC’s structure stems from a letter penned by the state inspector general. Addressed to Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano, among others, the letter criticized the commission’s enabling statute as “unclear and self-contradictory” concerning the oversight roles within the agency. This criticism prompted a hearing scheduled for October 30th where state lawmakers will delve into the organizational structure of the commission.
The ongoing debate surrounding the CCC’s structure echoes the challenges faced by the cannabis industry in its early stages. The 2016 voter-approved measure to legalize recreational marijuana initially envisioned cannabis shops being regulated similarly to liquor stores, overseen by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) under the state treasurer’s office. However, subsequent amendments by lawmakers have led to a revised model, with the commission’s structure now resembling the five-member Gaming Commission.
O’Brien, originally appointed to a five-year term in 2022, has denied the misconduct allegations that led to her suspension and subsequent firing. In September 2024, Goldberg suspended O’Brien, accusing her of making “racially, ethnically and culturally insensitive statements.” Goldberg stated in a statement: “The Chair [O’Brien] committed gross misconduct and demonstrated she is unable to discharge the powers and duties of a CCC commissioner. I do so with deep regret because she has a long history of public service, and when appointed I anticipated she would lead the Commission capably and in an appropriate manner.”
Goldberg’s decision to fire O’Brien followed extensive evaluation, including over twenty hours of meetings and a review of testimonies, case law, and policies. O’Brien, in turn, has spent close to $750,000 in taxpayer dollars on legal fees, engaging lawyers to contest her suspension through court battles and at least four confidential hearings that concluded in early July. She plans to appeal her firing to the Supreme Judicial Court.
This latest development in the evolving Massachusetts cannabis landscape highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the industry as it navigates regulatory complexities and strives for stability and growth. The upcoming hearing regarding the CCC’s structure will likely further shape the future of cannabis regulation in the state, potentially impacting the industry’s trajectory for years to come.