The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) has appointed David Lakeman, a former employee, as its new executive director.
Lakeman, who served as head of government affairs for the CCC from 2018 to 2020, most recently led the marijuana division at the Illinois Department of Agriculture. His selection follows a months-long vacancy left by former director Shawn Collins, who resigned in late 2023. Since then, Debra Hilton-Creek, the agency’s chief people officer, had stepped in as acting executive director.
The CCC, tasked with regulating Massachusetts’ marijuana industry, narrowed its candidate list to four before unanimously selecting Lakeman. Commissioner Kimberly Roy expressed optimism, noting Lakeman’s familiarity with Massachusetts’ cannabis sector and his experience building a regulatory agency in Illinois. “Shareholders want to see us move at a faster pace and want to see us get things accomplished,” Roy said.
Lakeman’s appointment arrives as the CCC faces scrutiny. Allegations of a toxic work environment and claims of leadership bullying within the agency have prompted calls for structural reform. The Massachusetts inspector general has even suggested placing the CCC into receivership until the Legislature clarifies the roles of the commission’s chair and executive director. Hearings by the state Legislature are being held today and in November to investigate the allegations and discuss potential reforms.
Dave Lakeman.
Despite these issues, the state’s legal marijuana market continues to thrice. In the past three months licensed marijuana stores have sold over $500 million in product.
Marijuana was legalized in Massachusetts in 2016, with the law allowing those 21 and over to possess up to an ounce of marijuana and grow up to six plants for personal use. The first licensed marijuana store opened in 2018.
