State lawmakers have scheduled a hearing later this month to kick start an effort to update the laws directing the embattled Cannabis Control Commission after more than a year of turbulence.

The Bay State’s Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy has scheduled an informational hearing for Wednesday, October 30, over “reconsideration” of the law which created both the state’s bustling marijuana industry and the CCC, responsible for the day-to-day business of regulating Massachusetts’ largest cash crop.

“The Committee will be inviting various Massachusetts cannabis industry stakeholders to testify. Of chief concern are the matters of responsibility for agency operations and proper channels of accountability within the agency structure,” the committee wrote in announcing the hearing.

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Legalizing marijuana isn’t as hot-button an issue in this election as abortion or immigration, but both presidential candidates former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have weighed in, and for once, they’re in agreement.

Both, however, are missing a big point.

Last month, Trump posted on the Truth Social platform: “As I have previously stated, I believe it is time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use. We must also implement smart regulations, while providing access for adults, to safe, tested product. As a Floridian, I will be voting YES on Amendment 3 this November. As President, we will continue to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana to a Schedule 3 drug, and work with Congress to pass common sense laws, including safe banking for state authorized companies, and supporting states rights to pass marijuana laws, like in Florida, that work so well for their citizens.”

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By CARLA K. JOHNSON

With more Americans using ever-stronger marijuana, a federal advisory panel is calling for a public health approach that’s a big departure from “Just Say No.”

Thursday’s report proposes a health-focused strategy with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention taking a larger role in cannabis policy than ever before.

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