Commissioner Stebbins will continue in the role of acting chair until a permanent chair is appointed
The last time that Massachusetts Treasurer Deb Goldberg appointed someone to chair the Cannabis Control Commission, it resulted in a yearslong legal feud that is undoubtedly the bane of her existence.
All things considered, Goldberg’s announcement today in coordination with Gov. Maura Healey and Attorney General Andrea Campbell—that acting Chair Bruce Stebbins will remain on the body and in that temp role—will likely turn out better than the move to put Shannon O’Brien in the chair’s seat two years ago.
Though things are never exactly smooth at the CCC, the business of the actual commissioners has undoubtedly chugged on despite innumerable challenges and side shows. Among other accomplishments, Stebbins painstakingly helped usher long awaited regulations for social consumption into the draft phase.
This will still leave the CCC with just three of its five seats filled, with commissioners Ava Callender Concepcion and Kimberly Roy still serving with Stebbins. Former Chair O’Brien was suspended in September 2023 and officially canned last September, while Commissioner Nurys Camargo stepped down from her post in May.
The CCC’s announcement follows:
Today, Governor Maura Healey, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, and Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg announced that they will reappoint Bruce Stebbins to the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). Per statute, the Governor, Attorney General and Treasurer jointly appoint one commissioner who has professional experience in oversight or industry management, including commodities, production or distribution in a regulated industry. He will serve a term of 5 years beginning on September 1, 2025. Additionally, Treasurer Goldberg announced that Bruce Stebbins will continue in the role of Acting Chair of the Cannabis Control Commission, until a permanent chair is appointed.
“The Cannabis Control Commission plays an important role in regulating this new industry, which supports thousands of jobs and generates significant economic benefits for our state,” said Governor Healey. “Commissioner Stebbins has been a strong leader on the Commission for several years now, and we are grateful to him for continuing his service and stepping up to serve as Acting Chair. I appreciate the partnership of Attorney General Campbell and Treasurer Goldberg on this important appointment.”
“I am delighted to announce the reappointment of Bruce Stebbins to the Cannabis Control Commission. Since joining the CCC in 2021, Commissioner Stebbins has been a leader in helping to create equitable access to Massachusetts’s recreational cannabis industry,” said AG Campbell. “I am confident that he will continue to promote safe, effective regulation of this industry that benefits communities across our state.”
“I am grateful to Governor Healey and Attorney General Campbell for their partnership on this reappointment,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. “Bruce Stebbins’ deep understanding of the regulations and systems, combined with his background in economic development, and dedication to building a positive, resilient work environment will provide positive leadership at the CCC. We look forward to his continued commitment to advancing the CCC’s mission and delivering meaningful service to the public.”
“I am excited to begin a new term, and want to thank the Governor, Attorney General, and Treasurer for their confidence in my reappointment,” Acting Chair Stebbins said. “The Commission has ushered forward policies that level the playing field between licensees and host communities, will reduce regulatory burdens for small businesses, enhance product safeguards, and advance the state’s first Social Consumption Establishments. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues, our team, lawmakers, and industry stakeholders to continue our momentum to ensure Massachusetts remains a leader when it comes to safe, equitable, and effective cannabis regulation.”
Commissioner Bruce Stebbins has served as the Acting Chair of the Cannabis Control Commission since September 2024 and as a joint appointee of the Treasurer, the Governor, and the Attorney General since 2021. Before joining the CCC, Stebbins served as a Commissioner for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, the body responsible for implementing and overseeing the expanded gaming law passed in 2011. Prior to joining the Gaming Commission, he served as Business Development Administrator for the City of Springfield, after more than 10 years as Senior Regional Manager for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). In this role, he managed relations with more than 30 member companies in New England with revenues exceeding $500 million. Before joining NAM, Commissioner Stebbins served as Director of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, overseeing five regional offices and a staff of more than 25 in promoting growth across the Commonwealth. From 1989 to 1991, he also served as the Associate Director of Political Affairs for President George H.W. Bush. Commissioner Stebbins earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from George Washington University.
