BOSTON – Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission Chair Shannon O’Brien has been fired. The announcement comes one year after State Treasurer Deb Goldberg suspended her due to accusations of “racially, ethnically and culturally insensitive statements.”
O’Brien was appointed to a five-year term in 2022 and has always denied the allegations.
Goldberg said the move to fire O’Brien came after more than 20 hours of meetings, reviewing hundreds of pages of testimony, and evaluating case law and policies.
“Gross misconduct”
“The Chair committed gross misconduct and demonstrated she is unable to discharge the powers and duties of a CCC commissioner,” Goldberg said in a statement Monday. “I do so with deep regret because she has a long history of public service, and when appointed I anticipated she would lead the Commission capably and in an appropriate manner. I expect my appointee’s actions to be reflective of the important mission of the CCC and performed in a manner that incorporates the standards of professionalism required in today’s work environment.”