If you’ve been questioning what’s up with the state’s Cannabis Control Commission these days then you aren’t the one one.
On Monday, 5 lawmakers wrote to the joint committee overseeing the state’s marijuana regulators to ask them to look into what’s bringing the CCC to “crisis.”
“Since its creation in 2017, The Cannabis Control Commission has faced what sometimes feels like an endless stream of scandals. The public deserves some accountability on why these issues have proven so hard to stamp out, and what long-term changes the agency is making to get its work done with more transparency and efficiency,” State Sen. Michael Moore mentioned in an announcement Monday.
Moore, in a letter despatched to the chairs of the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy, cites a number of latest headlines surrounding the fee as his motive for asking his colleagues to carry hearings on the matter.
Last week, Commission Chair Shannon O’Brien was unceremoniously suspended by Treasurer Deb Goldberg. No motive has been given for O’Brien’s with-pay suspension. Her removing got here after she declared in July the fee was “in crisis.”
O’Brien’s tenure started with the general public studying she was listed in a pair of marijuana license cultivation functions, regardless of her place. Licensees have testified to legislative committees over retaliation by fee investigators and complained about transparency.
“As we all know, the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) is not performing as it should. Our
constituents, media reports, and even the actions and words of the CCC itself have repeatedly made clear that action is desperately needed to bring oversight, transparency, and accountability to the CCC,” the letter reads.
Also signed by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, Sen. Michael Brady, Rep. Michael Soter, and Rep. Don Berthiaume, the letter goes on to ask the committee to find out who’s main the fee in O’Brien’s absence, how lengthy she shall be gone, and what led to her non permanent ouster.
“The legislature needs to ensure that statutory requirements are complied with and examine what steps are needed to finally bring stability to the CCC,” the letter reads, partially.
The lawmakers level out that even whereas complaints pile up and turmoil takes over the headlines, the fee can also be asking the Legislature to provide them extra money.
“Considering the 23% funding increase the CCC requested during FY24 budget negotiations, it is now more critical than ever that we make sure this agency has a plan to right the ship. Millions of our tax dollars are at stake – I am hopeful the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy will schedule a hearing to get answers from the top brass at the CCC,” Moore mentioned.
The letter is addressed to committee Chairs Sen. Adam Gomez and Rep. Daniel Donahue.
The CCC unanimously appointed Commissioner Ava Callender Concepcion as appearing chair on Monday morning.
In an announcement despatched to the press on Monday, Moore mentioned his workplace has acquired complaints a couple of hostile work surroundings on the CCC, which he has referred to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and the State Auditor.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”
