Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg named Bruce Stebbins acting chair of the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) on Thursday.
The former chair, Shannon O’Brien, was fired from the position on Monday.
Stebbins, who previously served as commissioner for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, was appointed to the CCC in 2021 based on his management experience in a regulated industry, Goldberg said.
“I am confident that Commissioner Stebbins will ensure stability during this period and will continue to positively impact the important mission of the CCC,” Goldberg said in a news release.
“I am grateful that he has agreed to serve in this capacity until a permanent chair is appointed.”
Stebbins noted that it’s a crucial time for the multibillion-dollar Massachusetts cannabis industry.
“I take seriously our mission to oversee safe, accessible cannabis businesses and will continue supporting Massachusetts’ growth as a regional and national regulatory leader in this space,” he said.
Goldberg said O’Brien, who in 2002 was the Democratic candidate for Massachusetts governor, was fired because she “committed gross misconduct and demonstrated she is unable to discharge the powers and duties of a CCC commissioner.”
The CCC went through a tumultuous year after O’Brien wrongfully announced in July 2023 that the agency’s director was resigning.
Last September, Goldberg suspended O’Brien, who countered with a lawsuit, which she dropped after being granted a hearing.
O’Brien has indicated she will file another lawsuit challenging her termination.
