Heated testimony in Massachusetts hearing: should the state raise cannabis license ownership caps?

The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy heard extensive, often emotional testimony about proposals to raise the number of cannabis retail licenses a single person or entity can control.

Background: Massachusetts currently limits how many adult-use retail licenses one owner may control. Multiple bills on the docket would raise that cap (variously to six or higher) or allow additional licenses by acquisition. Proponents — including many operators, investor-side attorneys and some trade groups — asked lawmakers to raise or loosen the cap, arguing it would unlock investment, create exit options for struggling small operators and stabilize a market hit by oversupply and price declines. Opponents — including social equity applicants, patient advocates and some legislators — warned such changes would enable multi-state operators to consolidate market power and undercut…