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House Bill 5350, An Act modernizing the commonwealth’s cannabis laws, was enacted by the House and Senate on April 9 and is now awaiting Governor Maura Healey’s signature, which is expected. The measure had broad legislative support, including from local reps, Mike Soter (R-Bellingham) and Jeff Roy (D-Franklin). In addition to revamping the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), the bill also raises the license cap limit and equity threshold, increases the personal possession limit, and directs the CCC to study and develop recommendations on hemp and cannabinoid regulation.
In a press release provided by Soter's office, the final bill is described as "a compromise reached this week by a six-member conference committee that worked to resolve the differences between the original House version of the bill, which was passed unanimously on June 4, 2025, and the Senate version, which was engrossed on a 30-7 vote on November 19, 2025."
"For years, the CCC has struggled with internal conflict and a lack of clear leadership, but through this bipartisan compromise, we have established a structure that prioritizes transparency and ensures the commission can finally operate with the professional oversight the taxpayers and the industry deserve," Soter said.
Soter also noted that the CCC has been"dealing with both internal and external conflicts" over the last three years, highlighted by Treasurer Deborah Goldberg’s decision to suspend, and later fire, former chair Shannon O’Brien in 2023 due to allegations of racial insensitivity and bullying behavior.
For Scott Voorhis, editor of Contrarian Boston, those rehashed claims reveal the true nature of the legislation and the reason for its wide support. In his reporting he noted that Goldberg's vendetta against O'Brien, on the flimsiest of pretexts, strongly implies a war over patronage and the insider orientation of Beacon Hill. Goldberg controls patronage, wants more control, and has made sure that revenge legislation again knocks any independent views or real transparency out of the picture.
Following a two-year legal battle over many of the same issues, a judge ultimately found Goldberg's reasons for firing O'Brien, dubious at best and ordered O’Brien’s reinstated in September of 2025.
Again according to Soter, House Bill 5350 seeks to terminate the terms of all current commissioners on the effective date of the act and requires the governor to appoint three commissioners within 30 days. Soter said the bill helps to clarify the CCC’s structure and responsibilities by establishing that the chair will be responsible for all personnel and administrative matters while also requiring the executive director to report directly to the chair. The bill also establishes a less convoluted process for dismissing commissioners for misconduct, malfeasance, or neglect of duty.
Roy also defends the legislation. “This legislation strikes the right balance between strong oversight and meaningful opportunity, ensuring that Massachusetts’ cannabis industry continues to grow in a responsible and equitable way,” said Roy.
Roy noted that the restructuring of the Commission into a three-member body, makes it directly responsible to the Governor and removes costly requirements from cannabis businesses, and safely increases the personal possession limit to two ounces.
By clarifying leadership responsibilities for the commission’s Chair and Executive Director, the bill clearly sets a framework for the administration of cannabis regulations in Massachusetts, he noted.
And, as the cannabis sector continues to evolve, the bill encourages investment and entrepreneurship, according to Roy. For example, it gradually doubles the number of licenses a business owner can hold and allows medical marijuana operators to specialize in cultivation, manufacturing, or retail sales by eliminating current costly requirements.
“By streamlining the Cannabis Control Commission and removing unnecessary barriers, we are supporting small businesses while enhancing accountability and public trust. These reforms reflect a maturing industry and a commitment to fairness, safety, and economic inclusion across the Commonwealth," Roy added.
