The bill seeks to modernize cannabis laws in the Commonwealth by establishing the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission and a Cannabis Advisory Board. The Commission will be composed of three commissioners appointed by the governor, who will oversee operations and appoint an executive director. The bill sets forth ethical standards and operational procedures, including a prohibition on certain communications regarding investigations and a more stringent code of ethics. It also repeals outdated sections of the General Laws and amends provisions related to medical marijuana establishments and the taxation of consumable CBD products, introducing a 5.35% tax on the sale of these products by licensed retailers.

Additionally, the bill introduces regulations for the sale and transfer of topical hemp products, defining them as non-ingestible items that cannot be marketed as consumable or intoxicating. It amends definitions related to marijuana and hemp products, updates terminology, and establishes new definitions for terms like "transportable hemp concentrate" and "hemp beverage." The bill also includes a registration process for hemp beverage and consumable CBD products, imposes penalties for violations, and mandates age verification for hemp beverage sales. Furthermore, it emphasizes promoting participation in the regulated medical marijuana industry for communities disproportionately affected by marijuana prohibition and requires the Commission to conduct studies and submit reports on cannabis regulations and business practices by specified deadlines.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 62-2, 62C-66, 63-30, 64N-4, 94G-1, 94I-1, 128-116, 138-34C