Massachusetts Lawmakers Reach Deal on Cannabis Reform Bill, Including Regulatory Overhaul

Massachusetts lawmakers have reached an agreement on a cannabis reform bill that would restructure the state’s Cannabis Control Commission and make broader changes to how marijuana is regulated, according to a joint statement released Monday by members of the House-Senate conference committee tasked with reconciling differing versions of the legislation.

The lawmakers said the committee would reconvene Monday afternoon to formalize the agreement, with House and Senate votes expected this week before the measure is sent to Governor Maura Healey.

According to the statement, the agreement includes a “new structure” for the Cannabis Control Commission intended to improve oversight and accountability within the agency, including reducing the commission from five to three members. Lawmakers also said the bill would increase the legal possession and purchase limit from one  expand opportunities for small businesses, and it includes support for alternative business models, including employee-owned companies.

In addition, the compromise bill, according to the committee chair, would “clarify delivery rules to create consistency across municipalities, and also allows for more modern and reasonable advertising practices.”

A meeting is scheduled for today at 1pm EDT so the committee can go over the details of the agreed upon compromise bill and give it approval.