Mass. lawmakers reach deal on cannabis reform bill
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Massachusetts lawmakers plan to send a cannabis reform bill Monday and plan to vote on the proposal later this week.
Why it matters: The proposal makes several long-awaited changes to medical cannabis dispensaries, purchase limits and the beleaguered Cannabis Control Commission as wholesale flower prices hit an all-time low.
State of play: Lawmakers agreed to reduce the number of commissioners from five to three, all appointed by the governor.
- The bill strips the treasurer and attorney general of the power to appoint a commissioner.
- The commission chair would be in charge of personnel and administrative matters, and the executive director would report to the commission chair.
Friction point: The bill lets cannabis business owners hold up to six licenses, up from three, a provision that has divided dispensary owners.
- A coalition of small dispensary owners says lifting the cap would oversaturate the market and harm small business owners, especially people of color.
- Some dispensary owners of color, however, say the current cap has prevented them from selling to larger cannabis companies that have the resources to acquire businesses in the current market.
- The bill would give equity business owners a one-year head start on the six-license cap, while all other cannabis business owners would be limited to five licenses.
What else the bill does:
- Increases purchase limits from 1–2 ounces
- Nixes the vertical integration requirement for medical dispensaries, meaning they no longer have to grow and manufacture their own cannabis products to get a state license
- Creates a portal where people can anonymously send commissioners tips on suspected illegal activity involving licensed cannabis businesses
- Lets cannabis businesses advertise sales, discounts and customer loyalty programs in their stores and via opt-in emails
- Lifts restrictions on selling cannabis seeds, clarifying that they're not considered marijuana
- Creates a list of businesses that haven't paid debts to other cannabis companies for more than 60 days. Those on the list won't be able to work with non-delinquent businesses until those debts are paid
Yes, but: The bill doesn't impose regulations on hemp and cannabinoids, instead ordering the CCC to study the issue and develop recommendations for future rules.
What's next: If signed into law, the legislation would take effect Jan. 1, 2028.
- The commissioners would have to vacate their seats by then, and the governor would have to appoint their replacements within 30 days.