In October 2024, the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) imposed fines totaling $165,000 on two major cannabis operators—Curaleaf Holdings and Ascend Wellness Holdings—for violations related to consumer safety practices. These enforcement actions underscore the state’s commitment to maintaining stringent safety standards within its cannabis industry.
Ascend Wellness Holdings: Track-and-Trace Compliance Issues
Ascend Wellness, operating three dispensaries in Massachusetts, was fined $85,000 for failing to adhere to the state’s track-and-trace system. The CCC’s investigation revealed that approximately 900 cannabis products were not properly documented, hindering the ability to verify their delivery to intended dispensaries. This lapse was deemed significant, with a CCC staff member describing the process failures as “so egregious as to amount to incompetent.”
In response, Frank Perullo, president and co-founder of Ascend, stated, “Ascend is fully committed to adhering to the regulations set forth by the CCC and places great importance on compliance.” He emphasized that the company has implemented necessary actions and remains dedicated to restoring trust and confidence moving forward.
Curaleaf Holdings: Contamination Prevention Failures
Curaleaf, with five dispensaries in the state, was fined $80,000 for not following best practices to limit contamination at its cultivation facilities in Amesbury and Webster. The CCC identified issues dating back to 2021, including unsecured doors and gaps in ducts, which led to the contamination of at least three cannabis product samples.
As part of the enforcement action, Curaleaf was placed on a six-month probationary period, during which the company must report any pesticide detection directly to regulators. Additionally, the CCC reserves the right to mandate third-party retesting of Curaleaf’s products to ensure compliance.
In a statement, Curaleaf affirmed, “The health and safety of our patients and customers remains our number one priority.” The company expressed confidence in the changes made to prevent future issues.
Implications for the Massachusetts Cannabis Industry
These fines highlight the CCC’s proactive approach to enforcing compliance and ensuring consumer safety within the state’s cannabis market. By holding operators accountable, the commission aims to maintain the integrity of the industry and protect consumers from potential health risks associated with non-compliance.
Both Curaleaf and Ascend Wellness have expressed their commitment to improving operations and working closely with regulators to prevent future violations. These developments serve as a reminder to all cannabis operators of the importance of adhering to established safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
For more detailed information, refer to the original report by the Green Market Report.