Letter from Institute of Cannabis Science to lawmakers notes: “Our findings … show that fraudulent and harmful products reach consumers in Massachusetts.”

At a hearing of the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy held on Beacon Hill on Tuesday, Massachusetts Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro testified in support of putting the Cannabis Control Commission in receivership. Though the IG was the only person invited to speak, many stakeholders and watchdogs also addressed topics that surfaced during the State House proceedings, with some submitting written testimony. Below is a letter sent to the chairs of the committee ahead of the hearing by Dr. Jeff Rawson of the Institute of Cannabis Science in Cambridge. –TJM Editors

Re: Responsibility of the Legislature to appoint a receiver for the Cannabis Control Commission 

Dear Senator Gomez and Representative Donahue,

This letter shares my perspective as the leader of the Institute of Cannabis Science, a group that protects consumers of cannabis. Our principal focus is the safety and health of all people who touch cannabis.

The letter from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) on June 18, 2024 regarding the operations of the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) drew my attention because it resonated with my experience. I urge you to consider it seriously. Inspector General Shapiro wrote: 

For the past two years, CCC’s staff, including its commissioners, have spent considerable time and money seeking to clarify roles and responsibilities. As of the date of this letter, it does not appear the CCC, on its own, is any closer to resolving these issues. At this point, I respectfully submit that there is an urgent need for the legislative leadership to take immediate action to statutorily authorize the appointment of, and appoint, a receiver with clearly delineated authority to manage the day-to-day operations of the CCC…

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https://talkingjointsmemo.com/placing-ccc-in-receivership-carries-risks-but-action-is-imperative/