Massachusetts Lawmakers Consider ‘Nuclear Option’ To Fix Cannabis Control Commission Crisis
Beacon Hill lawmakers are contemplating placing the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) into receivership following months of internal drama and governance issues. This step was proposed by Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro, who addressed the agency’s dysfunction.
Shapiro recently testified at an informational hearing.
Turmoil At The Cannabis Control Commission
The Cannabis Control Commission of Massachusetts has been operating without a permanent chair or executive director since last year. Treasurer Deb Goldberg is deliberating whether to terminate Chair Shannon O’Brien, suspended last September amid misconduct allegations. Shapiro cited this leadership crisis, along with other governance issues, in his recommendation to appoint a receiver to manage the CCC’s operations.
Acting Chair Ava Callender Concepcion said the CCC “is already in the process of addressing the Inspector General’s chief concern relative to producing a charter that would help us clarify governance questions in statute”, reported GBH.
“For two years, the Commission has spent considerable time and money with a consultant drafting a governance charter to clarify roles and responsibilities,” Shapiro’s letter reads. “They are no closer to resolving these issues as I write this, therefore, immediate action …