Massachusetts Treasurer Fires Cannabis Commission Chair

Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg has fired Shannon O'Brien as Chair of the Cannabis Control Commission after a year marked by controversy stemming from allegations of racially insensitive remarks and mistreatment of an employee. Goldberg cited O'Brien's 'gross misconduct' and failure to fulfill her duties as reasons for the dismissal, following a thorough review process that included over 20 hours of meetings and various documents. O'Brien, who has consistently denied the allegations and filed a lawsuit against Goldberg for wrongful removal, argued that the decision lacks justifiable grounds and calls for her reinstatement. Goldberg's office did not provide specific instances of O'Brien's alleged misconduct nor a formal rationale for the firing. The abrupt dismissal raises concerns about the stability of the commission overseeing Massachusetts' $7 billion cannabis industry. Goldberg is expected to appoint an acting chairperson soon as the situation unfolds.