Reinstated Cannabis Control Commission chair pledges smarter rules, equity in ‘new beginni
October 1, 2025
Reinstated Cannabis Control Commission chair pledges smarter rules, equity in ‘new beginning’
Shannon O’Brien chaired a public meeting of the commission regulating Massachusetts’ marijuana industry for the first time in two years on Wednesday.
Chairing her first public meeting in two years after being reinstated to the Cannabis Control Commission last month, Shannon O’Brien on Wednesday laid out priorities for what she sees “not as a return but as a new beginning.”
Her priorities include reducing regulatory burdens on marijuana companies that have struggled as prices plummet, boosting the CCC’s oversight of independent testing laboratories with an eye towards public health, and making further reforms to the agency’s Social Equity Program that is meant to give a leg up to communities disproportionately harmed by the War on Drugs.
WATCH HERE“After a long and difficult two years, I return to the CCC with an even deeper sense of purpose and gratitude. Through the challenges, I was reminded of the resilience of this industry, the importance of the work that commissioners and staff do together for the people of Massachusetts. I look forward to meeting with the staff to hear their concerns and look forward to making more progress to improve the positive impact we can all be proud of,” O’Brien said at the start of Wednesday’s meeting. “To the industry participants and stakeholders: You have faced tremendous hurdles as pioneers in a growing and evolving market, yet despite challenges in banking, licensing and regulation, you have continued to build businesses that create jobs, generate revenue and serve communities across the commonwealth. My commitment is to work collaboratively with all of you — cultivators, retailers, entrepreneurs and consumers — to advance stability, fairness and opportunity in this industry.”
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The CCC said that O’Brien has “pledged to lead a comprehensive review of regulations to streamline compliance without sacrificing safety.” She said her goal “is smart regulation that protects the public while allowing businesses to succeed.”
Wednesday’s CCC meeting featured scores of licensing reviews and approvals, an overview of the commission’s 2025 goals and working group updates. The CCC will hold another public meeting next week (Thursday, Oct. 9) and later this month (Oct. 23 and 24) is expected to go through its final review of long-awaited regulations for marijuana social-use establishments.
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