Cannabis Control Commission Delays Social Consumption Rules as Chair Shannon O’Brien Returns

Chairwoman Shannon O’Brien has officially returned to the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), and her reinstatement has pushed back the agency’s long-awaited vote on social consumption regulations.

The CCC announced Thursday that meetings originally scheduled for early next week will now take place on October 23 and 24. Those sessions were expected to finalize rules for social consumption establishments and address employee registration reforms. Instead, the agency said the delay is meant to “support the transition of leadership and ensure all Commissioners are prepared” for the major policy decisions ahead.

O’Brien, first appointed in September 2022, was suspended and later fired by Treasurer Deborah Goldberg in 2024. Earlier this month, a Superior Court judge ruled her removal was illegal, ordering her reinstated with back pay through the end of her term in August 2027.

The delay drew immediate criticism from cannabis advocates. One activist from Equitable Opportunities Now noted on social media that

“social equity businesses are told they need to wait — yet again”

while the commission resets under O’Brien’s leadership.

MA social equity businesses are told they need to wait — yet again — by @MA_Cannabis as they delay a hearing on social consumption regs by a month due to the return of Chair O’Brien. #mapoli pic.twitter.com/jiJdlbulAB

— Kevin B. Gilnack (@kgilnack) September 25, 2025

In the meantime, the CCC will hold two other public meetings: an October 1 session focused on licensing and 2025 goals, and an October 9 meeting for licensing approvals and policy discussions.

When finalized, Massachusetts’ social consumption framework will include three license types:

• Supplemental licenses for existing cannabis businesses that want on-site consumption.

• Hospitality licenses for non-cannabis businesses like yoga studios or theaters.

• Event organizer licenses for temporary events such as festivals or rallies.

For the first five years, licenses will be limited to social equity applicants, economic empowerment licensees, microbusinesses, and craft cooperatives.

If approved, Massachusetts would become the 11th state to allow social cannabis use, joining California, Colorado, New York, and others.