Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H169

Introduced
2/27/25  

Caption

To study supply and demand for cannabis cultivation

Impact

The bill is positioned as an emergency law, highlighting the urgency to preserve the public convenience in the cannabis industry. By mandating an analysis of the licensed cannabis businesses and the unregulated black market, this legislation seeks to inform future regulatory decisions. The study will focus on several key factors, including consumer demand trends, market pricing, and the effectiveness of the existing regulations on cultivation tiers, which could ultimately shape the future structure of cannabis licensing in the state.

Summary

House Bill 169, also known as the Act to Study Supply and Demand for Cannabis Cultivation, aims to address the complexities surrounding the cannabis market in Massachusetts. This legislation requires the Cannabis Control Commission to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current state of cannabis supply, focusing particularly on whether the issuing of cultivation and manufacturing licenses has led to an oversupply in the market. The intent of the study is to safeguard the sustainability of existing cannabis businesses amidst these potential fluctuations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, H169 seeks to balance the intricacies of market dynamics within the cannabis industry through targeted analysis, intending to provide legislators with the insights needed to regulate this evolving sector effectively. As the cannabis market continues to expand, the outcomes of this study will play a pivotal role in shaping future laws and regulations that govern cannabis cultivation and sales in Massachusetts.

Contention

While the bill appears to be centered on economic stabilization for cannabis businesses, points of contention may arise regarding the potential implications of regulation on smaller growers versus larger, established businesses. Critics may argue that the study could disproportionately favor larger operations at the expense of new entrants into the market or small-scale producers. The results of this study could ultimately lead to significant legislative changes affecting licensing processes, the number of permitted cultivators, and the competitiveness of the market.

Companion Bills

MA H4160

Replaced by Modernizing the commonwealth's cannabis laws

Previously Filed As

MA H118

Relative to supporting sustainability in the cannabis industry

MA H3557

Relative to cannabis research funding

MA S53

To support cannabis equity businesses

MA S59

To allow students access to prescription cannabis

MA H1790

Ensuring equitable access to cannabis related expungement

MA H105

Relative to data transparency in the cannabis industry

MA S49

To facilitate labor peace among the cannabis workforce

MA H1787

Automatically sealing cannabis records and promoting uniform digital record keeping

MA H115

To facilitate labor peace among the cannabis workforce

MA S48

Relative to cannabis use by first responders

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.