An Act to eliminate excessive regulation of the cannabis industry

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Lindsay Sabadosa

Align cannabis security rules with pharmacy standards to cut costs and reduce burden; CCC must overhaul 935 CMR regs within 1 year to implement the change.

Senate concurred

Summary: HD 2063 — An Act to eliminate excessive regulation of the cannabis industry

Purpose and intent

HD 2063 seeks to reduce perceived over-regulation in Massachusetts’s cannabis sector by ensuring marijuana security requirements are not more restrictive or costly to comply with than security regulations governing pharmacies. The bill also directs a formal regulatory review to bring cannabis regulations in line with pharmacy standards, aiming to balance public safety with regulatory efficiency.

Key provisions

Section 1 (Chapter 94G, sec. 4(c)(1))
Adds a clause stating that marijuana establishments may not be subject to regulations more restrictive or expensive to comply with than security requirements applicable to pharmacy registrations, per 247 CMR 6.02(6).

Section 2 (Chapter 94G, sec. 12(a)(1))
Adds language after “personnel” clarifying that security requirements for marijuana establishments shall not be more restrictive or costly than those for pharmacy registrations (per 247 CMR 6.02(6)).

Section 3 (Chapter 94I, sec. 7)
For Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers and medical-use regulations, provides that security requirements shall not be more restrictive or expensive than the security rules for pharmacies (per 247 CMR 6.02(6)).

Section 4 (Regulatory review by CCC)
The Cannabis Control Commission must review and amend its regulations (including 935 CMR 500.110 et seq. and 935 CMR 501.110 et seq.) to comply with the act within one year of enactment.

Who/what would be affected

Marijuana establishments (adult-use and related licensees) and Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers

Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), which would adjust regulations for compliance with this act

Board of Registration in Pharmacy and the referenced 247 CMR 6.02(6) standards as the comparative benchmark

Timeline and procedural aspects

Introduced: February 27, 2025

Legislative actions show: referred to the Committee on Cannabis Policy; Senate concurrence achieved on February 27, 2025

If enacted, the CCC must complete regulatory revisions within one year of enactment

Potential impacts

Reduces regulatory burden on cannabis businesses by aligning security standards with pharmacy regulations, potentially lowering costs and simplifying compliance.

Maintains or enhances safety by referencing a standardized benchmark (pharmacy security rules) rather than creating divergent requirements.

Creates a clear, near-term deadline for regulatory updates to 935 CMR chapters, promoting regulatory certainty.

Note on status

Status recorded as Senate concurred, indicating cross-branch alignment on the bill’s provisions.