Inadvertent Records Release – MTC Update | March 21, 2023

March 21, 2023

The Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) is contacting Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MTCs) to make them aware of an inadvertent release of agency records that occurred on March 8, 2023. Impacted constituents received a notice March 16, 2023 about this matter, and a subset have since been updated regarding additional information about their de-registration as agents that may have been disclosed.

One of the documents released may have contained former and current agents’ names, residential addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, and a field, titled “Reason for De-Registration.”  This field contained information from Marijuana Establishments and MTCs about the separation of a registered agent from employment in accordance with 935 CMR 500.030 (4) and/or 501.030 (4).

While the information that was disclosed is in fact a public record that may otherwise be available for distribution in response to a public records request, its disclosure in this case was indeed inadvertent.

As stated in the agency’s previous notice on this matter, upon identifying the inadvertent release of agency records, the Commission immediately notified the requestor about the issue. Staff also sought the requestor’s cooperation in deleting all erroneously released files and took proactive steps to prevent any further distribution. The requestor agreed to delete the identified files.

The Commission recognizes this notice may raise concern and takes seriously its duty to protect agent and industry information. In addition to the steps mentioned previously and above, the Commission is reviewing Standard Operating Procedures and training for public records production to ensure this situation does not recur.

The Commission continues to scrutinize the records that were released on March 8, 2023 and will apprise constituents if it finds other inadvertent disclosures of sensitive information.

If you have questions or concerns about the impacts of this disclosure, contact the Commission by emailing Commission@CCCMass.com with the subject line, “Inadvertent Records Release,” or calling (774) 415-0200.