Senate Acts to Reform Cannabis Industry Oversight, Licensure
The Massachusetts Senate acted today to reform oversight of the maturing cannabis industry by reorganizing the state’s regulatory agency and making targeted updates that support recreational consumers and small businesses.
The legislation approved by the Senate—An Act modernizing the Commonwealth’s cannabis laws, S.2722—takes into account the cannabis industry’s growth over the past seven years by streamlining the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), which would now operate with three members including a chair appointed directly by the Governor.
The bill updates licensure policies to meet the needs of businesses and consumers today and in the future, allowing retailers to expand and hold a maximum of four licenses and removing operational barriers for smaller companies to enter the medical marijuana market. Following the successful introduction of recreational consumption since voters approved legalization in 2016, recreational consumers would be allowed to possess a maximum of two ounces, an increase from the current one-ounce limit.
“As Massachusetts’ cannabis industry continues to mature, our laws must evolve to meet the moment. S.2722 is a thoughtful step forward—streamlining the Cannabis Control Commission to improve oversight, expanding opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and recognizing the reality of adult cannabis use in our communities,” said Senator Adam Gómez (D-Springfield), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy. “By modernizing our approach, we’re strengthening public accountability, supporting small businesses, and advancing equity, fiscal responsibility, and patient access. I’m proud to support a bill that reflects years of advocacy and moves us toward a fairer, more inclusive system for everyone in the Commonwealth.”
“When we introduce new industries to the Commonwealth, we know the work isn’t done when we set up the initial framework,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Thanks to the efforts of Senator Gómez and the members of the Cannabis Committee, the Senate has taken a comprehensive look at how our cannabis laws have functioned in recent years to understand what is working and what needs updating. I’m proud that this bill continues to support small businesses and promote equity while ensuring strong oversight of the industry. I’d like to thank Chair Gomez for his leadership on this issue, Senate Ways and Means Chair Rodrigues for bringing this bill forward, and the entire Senate for their thoughtful contributions to this timely legislation.”
“Almost 10 years have passed since the people of Massachusetts voted to legalize recreational cannabis use, and, as the market has grown, it has become clear that we should make adjustments to strengthen our regulatory structure and relax limits on possession,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The Senate acted swiftly, overwhelmingly passing legislation that will reform operations at the Cannabis Control Commission while increasing public accountability. This legislation responsibly increases individual possession limits and requires the Commission to report on the mental health impacts of cannabis use in the Commonwealth.”
The Senate Committee on Ways and Means advanced the bill with a 16-0 vote on November 13, 2025. The House of Representatives passed a version of the bill on June 4, 2025, based on several separate bills for which public testimony was solicited earlier this year by the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy.
Senators filed and considered 59 amendments to the bill. One of the amendments adopted during today’s session, Amendment 17, removes some obstacles for social equity businesses by automatically allowing marijuana deliveries in all communities, while preserving local autonomy by allowing municipalities to request the CCC to ban deliveries for two years at a time. Senators also adopted Amendment 33, which directs the CCC to work with medical experts and other agencies to study ongoing federal developments around hemp-derived cannabinoids and a potential regulatory framework for intoxicating hemp products.
Full details of the legislation are available online in the Senate Press Room.
The Senate passed the bill on a 30-7 roll call vote, sending it to the House for further consideration where it is anticipated a conference committee will be formed to resolve the outstanding differences in the bills.
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Statements of Support
Ryan Dominguez, Executive Director, Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition
“The Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition (MCC) greatly appreciates Senate President Karen Spilka, Senate Ways & Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, Senate Cannabis Committee Chair Adam Gómez, and Vice Chair Dylan Fernandes for acknowledging that the cannabis industry has matured and requires a modern legislative and regulatory framework that supports innovation and financial viability for all licensees. S.2722 represents a much-needed step forward. The Senate's proposals will provide our local businesses with the ability to increase revenue while removing regulatory red tape and promoting responsible economic growth. The MCC looks forward to continuing to partner with our state and local leaders to implement these reforms effectively and efficiently.”
Armani White, Managing Director of Strategy, Equitable Opportunities Now
“The Senate has made it clear that Massachusetts’ cannabis market should work for local, small, and social equity businesses —not just the biggest out-of-state corporations. We are grateful to Senate President Spilka, Cannabis Policy Chair Gómez, Ways & Means Chair Rodrigues, and their colleagues for rejecting proposals to double license caps, maintaining a low minority ownership threshold, and creating a dedicated social justice commissioner to ensure equity has a seat at the table. These choices send a strong signal that protecting competition and advancing equity are core Senate values. We urge both chambers to preserve these safeguards in the final bill so that communities harmed by the war on drugs and underserved small businesses remain at the heart of cannabis policy in the Commonwealth.”
David O’Brien, President and CEO, Massachusetts Cannabis Business Association
“MassCBA commends the Senate for approving these essential reform measures. In conjunction with the ongoing changes at the CCC, we are eager to work closely with the legislature, the CCC, and the industry to ensure successful implementation of this new legislation.”m