By Bob Katzen

Senate 37-0, approved an amendment that would ensure that the Cannabis Control Commissioners can maintain their ability to receive complaints and information regarding the quality, efficiency and integrity of the CCC’s programs and operations despite [this bill’s] new language that builds a stronger firewall between commissioners and ongoing investigations being conducted by CCC employees.

“The CCC’s commissioners are meant to serve a dual role – both as a regulator of the cannabis industry, and as a regulator of the Cannabis Control Commission itself,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Mike Moore (D-Millbury). “While I understand the purpose of building a firewall between commissioners and the work being done by the CCC itself, given the myriad scandals the agency has faced over the last several years, language in this bill should not stop commissioners’ ability to receive whistleblower reports and other feedback about the agency’s work. This amendment clarifies that the path of whistleblower reports still goes through the commissioners who have the power to immediately take action to correct failures of the agency they oversee.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes