Former Massachusetts Cannabis Commission Chair Sues Over Ouster

Former Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) Chair Shannon O’Brien is suing the state Treasurer Deb Goldberg and the commission itself, alleging retaliation and invasion of her privacy related to her firing from the position about two years ago, the State House News Service reports.

O’Brien was suspended from the commission in late 2023 and later fired by Goldberg for allegedly making insensitive remarks and contributing to a hostile work environment. O’Brien challenged her removal, however, and was ultimately reinstated as commission chair after a judge determined last September she had been wrongfully terminated. O’Brien resumed heading the commission in October, was awarded back pay and benefits for her being ousted from the position, and served there until Gov. Maura Healey (D) appointed an all-new commission in May.

In the lawsuit, O’Brien claims that Goldberg and the CCC retaliated against her while she was commission chair after she reported actions that she believed were illegal or risky, in violation of the Massachusetts Whistleblower Act. The suit also alleges violations of the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act and that Goldberg invaded her privacy.

A representative from Goldberg’s office, meanwhile, said in the report that the lawsuit is an attention-seeking effort to revive past-litigated issues.

The lawsuit is seeking compensation for damages to be determined by a jury. Needham attorney Timothy Burke, who filed the suit on O’Brien’s behalf, said O’Brien had suffered “economic loss, professional and reputational injury, emotional distress, physical symptoms, litigation expenses, and other compensable damages.”