The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission recently fined Curaleaf and Ascend Wellness a total of $165,000 for regulatory violations. Curaleaf was fined $80,000 after investigations revealed pesticide-related issues at its cultivation facilities in Amesbury and Webster. These violations included contamination incidents dating back to 2021 and inadequate facility maintenance, such as unsecured doors that may have led to contamination. The company is now on a six-month probation, with stricter oversight to ensure compliance with state regulations.
Ascend Wellness was fined $85,000 for failing to comply with Massachusetts’ track-and-trace system, which is essential for monitoring cannabis products from cultivation to sale. The investigation found discrepancies involving around 900 untracked products, which Ascend had self-reported. The company agreed to a 12-month probation period, during which it will undergo twice-monthly inventory audits to address these compliance issues.
Both companies have committed to corrective measures, including enhanced procedures and employee training to prevent future violations.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) is the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing the state’s legal cannabis industry. Established following the legalization of recreational cannabis in Massachusetts in 2016, the CCC’s primary role is to ensure a safe, equitable, and effective regulatory environment for cannabis businesses and consumers. Its responsibilities include licensing, establishing safety standards, and enforcing compliance among dispensaries, cultivators, manufacturers, and other cannabis-related businesses.
The commission plays a crucial role in setting policies related to public health, safety, and product quality, including rigorous seed-to-sale tracking to prevent diversion and ensure transparency in the industry. The CCC also focuses on promoting social equity by providing support to businesses owned by individuals disproportionately impacted by previous cannabis laws. Through its enforcement efforts, such as recent fines issued to Curaleaf and Ascend, the CCC aims to maintain industry standards and uphold consumer protection across the state’s cannabis market.