Legislation that would triple Massachusetts’ marijuana possession limit, among other regulatory changes, is set for a public hearing in the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy on April 9 starting at 10:30 AM in Room B-1.
Senate Bill 75, filed last month by Senator William Brownsberger (D), would increase the personal possession limit for marijuana from one ounce to three ounces, while also modifying advertising rules, ownership regulations, and product testing standards in the state’s legal cannabis industry.
If passed, SB 75 would allow cannabis retailers to advertise discounts and loyalty programs, something currently restricted under Massachusetts law. The bill also proposes revisions to ownership rules, limiting the number of dispensaries a single entity can control while offering incentives for social equity applicants, minority-owned businesses, and veteran-owned businesses.
Another major provision of the bill focuses on product testing transparency. It mandates that independent labs publicly disclose failure rates for pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants. The Cannabis Control Commission would also be required to investigate labs that show statistically significant discrepancies in their test results.
Additionally, the bill would streamline agent registration for employees and volunteers in the cannabis industry, extending registration validity to six years and eliminating fees for social equity participants. It also establishes a minimum testing batch size of 40 pounds and removes the requirement for testing environmental factors such as soil and water beyond final product testing.
The hearing on April 9 will provide an opportunity for stakeholders, lawmakers, and the public to weigh in on the bill. If advanced by the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy, the legislation will move forward for further consideration by the Massachusetts Senate and House.
