Massachusetts Social Use Rules Delayed as Commission Chair Reinstated

he reinstatement of Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Chairwoman Shannon O’Brien has delayed the crafting of social consumption rules as the agency prepares for the transition of leadership. The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission said last week it postponed plans to craft cannabis lounge regulations due to the reinstatement of Chairwoman Shannon O’Brien, the Boston Heraldreports.

The draft rules were first approved in July, and regulators were set to finalize the regulations by Halloween.

“To support the transition of leadership and ensure all Commissioners are prepared for the final regulatory review of Social Consumption Establishments, agent registration reform, and related policies, the Commission intends to postpone relevant public meetings originally planned for the end of September to Oct. 23 and 24.” — Statement from the commission

O’Brien has been gone from the commission since being suspended two years ago, and later fired by State Treasurer Deb Goldberg, who alleged that O’Brien made “racially, ethnically and culturally insensitive statements.” However, a Superior Court judge ruled this month that O’Brien had been wrongly terminated and should be reinstated to complete the last two years of her five-year term. The judge also ruled she should receive back pay and benefits from the date of her removal.

Massachusetts’ 2016 adult-use legalization ballot initiative included language for public cannabis consumption at licensed locations. Regulators, however, decided to prioritize the industry’s retail regulations before considering social use provisions.