When Massachusetts legalized recreational cannabis in 2016, the state created the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) to oversee and regulate the industry. However, recent events have brought to light the dysfunction within the organization and its impact on effectively managing the state’s operations.
According to a report by WBUR, two top managers at CCC were suspended earlier this month, adding to the turmoil surrounding the agency. This suspension comes on the heels of former executive director Shawn Collins stepping down and commission chair Shannon O’Brien being suspended by Treasurer Deborah Goldberg.
The recent suspensions at CCC have raised questions about the state of affairs within the organization. However, the reasons for these suspensions have not been disclosed to the public.
The suspension of director of human resources Justin Shrader has also resulted in his resignation from the commission. His position was quickly posted on CCC’s online job board, indicating a need for immediate replacement.
Turmoil in the Agency
These suspensions have added to the existing turmoil within the agency, which has been reported by current and former employees. There is a significant disconnect between the staff and the board, with numerous key positions remaining vacant.
This lack of communication and coordination within MCCC can have serious consequences on its operations. For instance, it was revealed that a 27-year-old woman working at a cannabis facility passed away in 2022, but the board was not informed of this incident for several months.
In addition to these suspensions, a legal battle is ongoing between former executive director Shawn Collins and chair Shannon O’Brien against Treasurer Deborah Goldberg. This clash stemmed from O’Brien’s description of CCC as an agency “in crisis” during a public meeting, as reported by WBUR.
Goldberg suspended O’Brien with pay in September, citing an investigation that found O’Brien had made “racially, ethnically, culturally insensitive” comments using the word “yellow” in reference to an Asian person. O’Brien has denied these allegations and, in court filings, says that she’s being punished for doing the job Goldberg appointed her to do — reform a commission in need of a complete overhaul.
Treasurer Goldberg also claims that O’Brien has yelled at an executive assistant and referred to Collins, the former executive director who stepped down earlier this month, as “missing in action” while he was on paternity leave.
O’Brien says her words were taken out of context and that she’s being denied due process.
Calls for Oversight Hearing
The dysfunction within CCC has not gone unnoticed by lawmakers. State Sen. Michael Moore has called for an oversight hearing to address the issues within the commission, stating that “The management staff overseeing the commission, the agency, is in disarray,” We need an oversight hearing. We need to find out what’s going on, what’s taken place.”
This agency, to have lost basically all of its management team in 10 to 11 months, I think that signifies that there’s a problem there,” Moore, the state senator, said.
This call for oversight highlights the importance of addressing these issues and implementing necessary reforms within MCCC.
Overall, the current state of disarray within CCC has brought to light significant issues that must be addressed for the sake of the state’s $5 billion cannabis industry. The dysfunction within the organization cannot continue if it hopes to effectively manage and regulate this growing market.
There is a need for immediate reforms within CCC to improve communication, coordination, and oversight. The ongoing legal battle and suspensions only add to the dysfunction and hinder the commission’s ability to fulfill its duties.
However, there is hope for improvements in the future as lawmakers and stakeholders continue to push for changes within CCC. It is crucial that these issues are addressed promptly to ensure the success of Massachusetts’ cannabis industry and the well-being of those involved.
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