By Bob Katzen

House 155-0, Senate 33-6, approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a conference committee version of a bill that would restructure the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) — dissolving it and downsizing its membership from five members to three. It also gives all the power to the governor to make the three appointments, replacing the current law which gives that power to the governor, the attorney general and treasurer. The House and Senate had approved different versions of the measure and a conference committee was appointed in December 2025 and took more than three months to hammer out this compromise version.

Other provisions include making it clear that the CCC chair is responsible for personnel and administrative matters and the executive director reports directly to the chair; an increase from one ounce to two ounces in the amount of marijuana that an adult can purchase or possess for recreational use; increasing from three to six the number of licenses a business owner can hold; allowing medical marijuana operators to specialize in cultivation, manufacturing or retail sales by eliminating current costly requirements; directing the CCC to study and make recommendations for the regulation of intoxicating hemp, which has grown in prevalence over recent years and will effectively be banned under federal law this fall unless the U.S. Congress takes action; and giving the CCC the ability to allow retailers to advertise sales, discounts and customer loyalty programs inside the store and via opt-in email, both of which are currently not permitted.

“Massachusetts has one of the most established cannabis industries in the country, and our laws need to evolve with that reality,” said Sen. Adam Gomez (D-Springfield), Senate Chair of the Committee on Cannabis Policy and co-chair of the conference committee. “This legislation strengthens oversight of the Cannabis Control Commission while making smart updates that support small businesses, improve accountability and ensure consumers can access cannabis safely and legally. By modernizing license caps, clarifying delivery and advertising rules and increasing transparency across the industry, we are building a more stable, equitable and responsible cannabis marketplace for the commonwealth.”

“This bill takes clear steps towards a safer and more equitable cannabis industry across the commonwealth,” said Rep. Daniel Donahue (D-Worcester), House Chair of the Committee on Cannabis Policy and co-chair of the conference committee. “It also restructures and clarifies roles within the CCC to promote a more effective and accountable regulating body. This action demonstrates that the House and Legislature remain committed to ensuring that the rapidly changing Massachusetts cannabis industry continues to thrive.”

“This bill ensures that as the cannabis industry grows in Massachusetts, it expands opportunity and reflects our values,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “It opens doors for those long left out, modernizes access to safe and legal cannabis and brings our laws in line with a maturing industry. The result is a more stable, fair and equitable marketplace that keeps public health and safety front and center.”

“We should work to ensure the cannabis industry operates responsibly and safely,” said Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy) who voted against the measure. “I would have liked to see [the bill] put greater emphasis on creating sufficient guardrails to mitigate the potential negative public health outcomes related to a sharp increase in cannabis accessibility. I also advocated for more education on public and mental health risks of cannabis consumption. Constituents have shared with me how cannabis has negatively impacted their lives. With them in mind, I voted against the bill.”

None of the other five senators who voted against the bill responded to repeated attempts by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them to comment on the bill’s passage and to explain why they voted against it. Those five senators are Sens. Kelly Dooner (R-Taunton); Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton); Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford), Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) and Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester).

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.)

Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes