The cannabis commission in Massachusetts has once again become the focus of attention following the reappointment of Acting Chair Bruce Stebbins. On August 13, Governor Maura Healey, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, and Treasurer Deborah Goldberg renewed Stebbins’s term for another five years, a decision reflecting confidence in his leadership despite the agency’s ongoing turbulence.
The cannabis commission has faced multiple challenges in recent years, including the suspension and eventual firing of former Chair Shannon O’Brien. With O’Brien contesting her dismissal in court, a permanent replacement has yet to be appointed, leaving Stebbins to guide the agency in an acting capacity. Leadership turnover has been compounded by the absence of an executive director for more than a year until Travis Ahern stepped into the role this March.
These leadership gaps have not gone unnoticed. Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro described the cannabis commission as a “rudderless ship,” citing dysfunction, regulatory delays, uncollected fees, and workplace concerns. Two vacancies remain on the board after Nurys Camargo’s departure in May, while commissioners Ava Callender Concepcion and Kimberly Roy are nearing the end of their terms without reappointment.
Despite these hurdles, Stebbins remains optimistic. In an interview, he emphasized his enjoyment of working in a dynamic and entrepreneurial industry while acknowledging criticisms that the cannabis commission has been slow in addressing regulatory issues. For instance, stakeholders expressed frustration over the time it took to change the “two-driver” delivery rule and to advance social consumption regulations. Stebbins argued, however, that the commission’s approach has been deliberate and inclusive, aiming to balance the concerns of delivery operators, public safety advocates, and consumers.
Stebbins also addressed workplace culture, vowing to foster collaboration and respect within the cannabis commission. Allegations of harassment have marred the agency’s reputation, but he insists that ongoing leadership efforts can create a healthier work environment.
Looking ahead, Stebbins’s vision for the cannabis commission involves modernizing outdated regulations, ensuring the safe rollout of social consumption, and building confidence among industry stakeholders. As the Massachusetts cannabis market matures, he believes the commission must adapt its regulatory framework to better serve both businesses and the public.
Whether or not he is officially named permanent chair, Stebbins appears determined to steer the cannabis commission through its challenges. For an agency that has weathered years of turbulence, strong and consistent leadership may be exactly what it needs to restore credibility and stability in the fast-evolving cannabis industry.