News / Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission FY 2026 Budget Request Focuses on Critical Industry Issues
For Immediate Release
March 12, 2025
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Tara Smith
Communications Manager
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Neal McNamara
Press Secretary
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Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission FY 2026 Budget Request Focuses on Critical Industry Issues
The proposed $30 million budget would fund new testing, equity, technology initiatives
WORCESTER – Charged with overseeing an $8 billion industry, the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) testified before the Joint Ways and Means Committee this week seeking an expanded budget in the new fiscal year to launch critical safety and equity initiatives as the state’s regulated adult- and medical-use cannabis industry continues to grow.
The Commission, represented by members of its leadership team including Acting Chair Bruce Stebbins, Commissioner and Treasurer Kimberly Roy, Executive Director Travis Ahern, and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer Lisa Schlegel, spoke to the agency’s $30.08 million FY 2026 request and how it would support urgent needs regarding additional product testing, training for Social Equity Program (SEP) entrepreneurs, Social Consumption public education campaign materials, and new licensing and enforcement technology platforms, among other top priorities.
“This is a crucial time for the Massachusetts cannabis industry with issues like product testing and the rollout of social consumption at the fore,” Acting Chair Bruce Stebbins said. “To adequately address these issues – and others like equity programming and technological upgrades – the Commission needs to grow in line with this still-growing industry. We are grateful for the Legislature’s continued partnership in ensuring that the Commonwealth’s adult- and medical-use cannabis industry is safe, equitable, and well-regulated.”
Since FY 2022, the number of cannabis businesses that have received the agency’s approval to commence operations has grown from just over 500 to more than 800, posing increasing challenges with a limited number of public safety investigators. If fully appropriated, the FY 2026 request would be the first significant budget increase for the Commission during a period of growth in the industry, with a majority of funding going toward initiatives put off after budget cuts in previous fiscal years. The Commission expects additional licensees to enter the market, with three Social Consumption license types launching this year.
New issues have also emerged over the past three years that demand more attention, including questions about the testing of cannabis products in Massachusetts, worker safety, diversity in the industry, and the Commission’s new role overseeing Host-Community Agreements (HCAs).
“I’m appreciative of the opportunity to testify before the Committee to share that with continued investment in regulation, enforcement, and equity, we can ensure product safety, protect public health, and support the economic success of Massachusetts businesses and communities,” Executive Director Travis Ahern said. “My focus is on ensuring the success of the agency staff and our critical daily operations, and I am committed to ensuring that the Commission operates with integrity, accountability, and a forward-thinking approach that meets the evolving needs of the industry and the public.”
During Monday’s budget hearing, lawmakers engaged in a substantial back-and-forth with Commissioners and staff about issues related to the budget request, including market saturation, public safety, and costs affecting the cannabis businesses. [View the discussion beginning at 1:23:36 here]
The Commission identified several key efforts that it hopes to fund through the agency’s FY 2026 budget request:
- Increased testing and analytics, including expansion of “secret shopper” program
- A standards laboratory to test products independent of private labs
- Updated licensing platform that will help provide better data on the industry for the public and stakeholders
- Updated Medical Marijuana Platform for patients, caregivers, and Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers
- 21 new positions to support public health, safety, and equity
- Public awareness campaign materials for new Social Consumption license types coming in 2025
- Increased Social Equity Participant (SEP) initiatives including Resource Center & Hub, e-learning modules, racial disparity/exclusivity study, public education
- Reinstatement of $2.85M deferred costs from FY 2025 and FY 2024
“We’ve heard loud and clear from licensees and constituents that they need the Commission to enhance our efforts around testing, social equity, and the Medical Use of Marijuana Program,” said Commissioner Kimberly Roy. “We appreciate the Legislature’s consideration of our request and look forward to working with our partners across government to strengthen the Commonwealth’s cannabis industry and uphold the high standards that Massachusetts residents expect.”
Additional information is available by viewing the Commission’s FY 2026 budget presentation, by visiting MassCannabisControl.com, by contacting the Commission by phone (774-415-0200) or email (Commission@CCCMass.com), or following the agency on Facebook and X.
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