The panel tasked with negotiating final details of legislation overhauling cannabis laws expressed confidence in finding common ground between the chambers and acknowledged during its first meeting Wednesday that it is prioritizing equity.
"The Senate bill reflects our shared commitment to a safe and equitable and well regulated cannabis industry," said Sen. Adam Gomez of Springfield, the Senate chair of the conference committee. "We share many goals with the House and while there are many differences to work through, I'm confident that this committee can find common ground in a timely manner."
On Nov. 19, the Senate voted 30-7 to approve its cannabis bill (S 2749). The House passed its version (H 4206) on a 153-0 vote in June. Each chamber appointed three members to serve on a conference committee to hash out final details of the legislation.
Rep. Daniel Donahue of Worcester, the committee's House chair, noted the legislation presents a comprehensive plan to restructure the Cannabis Control Commission and "much needed and timely" reforms to the industry's regulations to support social equity businesses as well as address public health issues that have arisen.
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