Massachusetts is set to pass a proposal this week containing significant reforms to the state’s adult-use and medical cannabis industries, WGBH reports.
The changes described in the House-Senate compromise proposal include doubling the purchase limit on cannabis flower from one to two ounces, lifting restrictions on the sale of cannabis seeds, and allowing licensed retailers to advertise discounts and customer loyalty programs.
The proposal also reduces the Cannabis Control Commission from five commissioners to three, all appointed by the governor, and raises the number of licenses a cannabis operator can hold from three to six.
The bill also removes a requirement that medical retailers must produce and manufacture their own products.
State Sen. Adam Gómez (D) said the proposal “strengthens oversight and accountability by restructuring the Cannabis Control Commission, streamlining its leadership and clarifying roles and responsibilities so that each can operate more efficiently and transparently.”
“At a high level, this legislation recognizes that our cannabis industry has matured and that our regulatory framework must evolve along with it.” — Gómez, in a statement
If lawmakers do pass the compromise legislation, the bill will go to Gov. Maura Healey (D) for her consideration.
Meanwhile, anti-cannabis advocates are pushing Massachusetts voters to repeal the state’s regulated adult-use market at the ballot box later this year.
