Massachusetts Cannabis Chief Shannon O'Brien Loses Job After Year-Long Suspension And Costly Legal Fight

It’s finally over for Cannabis Control Commission of Massachusetts Shannon O’Brien who lost her legal battle with State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg.

O’Brien was originally appointed to serve a five-year term in 2022 and has denied the misconduct allegations. Goldberg suspended O’Brien last September accusing her of making “racially, ethnically and culturally insensitive statements,” reported CBS News.

Goldberg's latest decision to fire O'Brien follows over twenty hours of meetings and an evaluation of testimonies, case law, and policies.

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“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.”

O’Brien, who has spent close to $750,000 in taxpayer dollars on legal fees, engaged lawyers and contested her suspension through court battles and at least four confidential hearings that concluded in early July.

O’Brien’s counsel Max Stern said O’Brien was not given a fair chance to restore her reputation.

“Treasurer Goldberg’s interpretation of a fair hearing is akin to the secret trials employed by autocratic regimes,” Stern said. “But the Treasurer should understand that the sunlight is the best disinfectant, and Chair O’Brien’s pursuit of truth and justice for the Commonwealth and CCC will prevail.”

He also said Goldberg's decision, “whitewashes the unequivocal evidence that would lead any reasonable and fair fact-finder to conclude that there are no grounds for removal and would immediately reinstate her to steer the rudderless the CCC shipwreck.”

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