Massachusetts Cannabis Regulator to Depart; Maryland Governor Appoints Health Experts

LOS ANGELES–Shawn Collins, the executive director of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, is reportedly set to resign from his position by the end of this year. Although Collins has not yet officially confirmed his departure, Commission Chair Shannon O’Brien disclosed that he took a family leave last week. The commission currently faces various challenges, and O’Brien stressed the importance of effective leadership to navigate the complex regulatory landscape during these critical times.

Maryland Governor Appoints Experts to Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council

In a related development, Maryland Governor Wes Moore has appointed three experts to serve on the Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council under the Maryland Department of Health. The appointees include Mathew Swinburne, JD, from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law; Leah Sera, PharmD, MA, BCPS, from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy; and David A. Gorelick, MD, Ph.D., from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. The Council, established under House Bill 837 last year, is tasked with examining and analyzing the impact of cannabis legalization on public health. The appointed experts will provide recommendations and proposals to the governor and the General Assembly.

Substantial Cannabis Sales in Maryland During First Month of Recreational Sales

Maryland has witnessed robust cannabis sales, with consumers spending $87.43 million on cannabis products during the state’s first full month of recreational sales. Licensed shops reported sales worth $20.9 million in the week following the July 1 launch of recreational sales.

Board Changes in Cannabis Corporations

Several cannabis companies have seen changes in their boards of directors. Planet 13 Holdings shareholders elected Robert Groesbeck, Larry Scheffler, Lee Fraser, and Adrienne O’Neal as board members. Sundial Inc shareholders elected Greg Mills, Zach George, Greg Turnbull, Bryan D. Pinney, Lori Ell, and Frank Krasovec as directors. Agra Ventures Ltd shareholders elected Nick Kuzyk, Fiona Fitzmaurice, Anthony Carnevale, and Jonathan Hirsh as directors.

Notably, two cannabis giants, Cresco Labs Inc. and Columbia Care Inc., have recently terminated their agreement to merge. Columbia Care announced senior leadership changes, appointing David Hart as president and chief operating officer, and Jesse Channon as chief commercial officer. At 22nd Century Group, Inc., John Miller, the leader of the tobacco business unit, was named interim chief executive officer, while James A. Mish will continue to serve as a member of the board of directors.

Other significant appointments include Dean Medwid as CEO and director of New Leaf Ventures Inc. following the resignation of Michael Stier. Ryan Arthur has been appointed to the board of directors and as corporate secretary. At Viridian Capital Advisors, Andrew Lock was tapped as head of the firm’s corporate advisory/restructuring practice.

These leadership changes come at a time when the cannabis industry is witnessing continuous growth and evolution. Companies are navigating a complex regulatory landscape while striving to meet the demands of an expanding market. As the industry matures, effective leadership and strategic decision-making become crucial to success and sustainability.