Massachusetts Legislative Committee to Hold Public Hearing Tuesday on Twelve Cannabis Bills

(Photo credit: AP Photo/Jenny Kane).

The proposals span a wide range of topics, including seed legality, social equity, packaging sustainability, advertising, and labor protections for cannabis workers. The hearing will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will give lawmakers and the public a chance to weigh in on pending legislation that could reshape several aspects of the state’s cannabis laws. The bills planned to be covered include:

House Bill 150 – Clarifying the Legal Status of Cannabis SeedsRepresentative Michael Day’s bill would formally designate cannabis seeds as lawful under Massachusetts law, regardless of their ability to germinate. It would revise multiple legal definitions in the state’s controlled substances and marijuana statutes to eliminate confusion and ensure seeds are treated as legitimate products for sale and possession.

House Bill 3982 – Adding Cannabis Beverages to Bottle Redemption ProgramFiled by Representative David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf, this bill would amend state law to include cannabis-infused drinks in the existing container redemption system. Retailers would be required to accept empty containers of qualifying cannabis beverages, though distributors would be exempt from paying the typical handling fee required for other beverage types.

House Bill 175 – Authorizing Drive-Up Marijuana SalesThis proposal from Representative Michael Soter would allow medical and recreational marijuana retailers to offer curbside or drive-up pickup services. Establishments would need municipal approval and must comply with any applicable local ordinances.

Senate Bill 82 – Authorizing Police Detail Work at Marijuana BusinessesSponsored by Senator Michael Moore, this proposal would codify that local governments may allow police officers to work private detail shifts at licensed marijuana establishments without jeopardizing departmental accreditation or public funding. The bill aims to standardize practices across municipalities while addressing law enforcement concerns.

House Bill 154 – Banning Marijuana Ads Near SchoolsRepresentative Daniel Hunt introduced this measure to outlaw marijuana and alcohol advertising within a one-mile radius of any Massachusetts school. The restriction would apply to all formats, including physical signage and digital content, and would significantly expand current advertising limitations in school zones.

House Bill 187 – Tightening Age Demographics for Marijuana AdsThis bill, brought by Representative Marcus Vaughn, would raise the minimum threshold for allowable marijuana advertising audiences. It would require that at least 90% of a platform’s expected viewers be 21 or older, up from the current 85%, in an effort to further reduce youth exposure to marijuana marketing.

Senate Bill 77 – Requiring Labor Peace Agreements at Marijuana BusinessesFiled by Senator Lydia Edwards, this bill would mandate that marijuana establishments sign labor peace agreements with qualified unions or submit attestations affirming non-interference with employee organizing efforts. The Cannabis Control Commission would also be required to maintain a list of bona fide labor organizations, and small businesses would be exempt from these requirements.

House Bill 165 – Promoting Sustainability in the Cannabis IndustryIntroduced by Representative Lindsay Sabadosa, this proposal calls for the Cannabis Control Commission to form a sustainability working group with industry stakeholders. The group would explore initiatives like reusable packaging systems, waste disposal best practices, and ways to recycle tracking tags used in seed-to-sale monitoring.

Senate Bill 85 – Allowing Private Donations to Cannabis Equity FundFiled by Senator Edward Kennedy, this legislation would authorize the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund to accept private donations, including from marijuana businesses seeking to fulfill positive impact plan goals. It would also establish a loan guarantee program and a tax credit for individuals who donate through their state income tax returns.

Senate Bill 86 – Creating a Dispensary Equity DatabaseSenator Jason Lewis’s bill would require the Cannabis Control Commission to launch an online database of licensed marijuana dispensaries, sortable by criteria such as ownership demographics, equity status, union affiliation, and geographic reach. It would also encourage retailers to stock at least 25% of inventory from social equity-owned businesses.

Senate Bill 81 – Protecting In-Store and Digital Marijuana MarketingFiled by Senator Dylan Fernandes, this bill would block the Cannabis Control Commission from prohibiting promotions like discounts, loyalty programs, and sales notifications conducted in-store, online, or through opt-in email campaigns. It seeks to ensure modern marketing options remain available to cannabis businesses.

House Bill 190 – Reviewing Fines for Cannabis Ad ViolationsRepresentative Marcus Vaughn also introduced a bill that would require the Cannabis Control Commission to study its current fine structure for advertising violations. The study would also explore how revenues from those fines could be reinvested in community-based programs such as youth education and police-community engagement.