Massachusetts Cannabis Regulators Weigh Licensing Freeze

Falling marijuana prices prompt consideration of limiting new cultivation licenses and canopy capacity

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Massachusetts cannabis regulators are considering a licensing freeze to address businesses that have been squeezed by falling marijuana prices. The Cannabis Control Commission voted to schedule a public hearing on potentially freezing new cultivation licenses and temporarily halting approvals for additional canopy capacity, as well as exploring freezes on other license types.

Why it matters

The move is meant to open up a conversation about how to support marijuana businesses and stabilize the market as an influx of supply has led to plummeting prices, with the average retail price for an ounce of flower reaching a record-low $113.68 in December. Commissioners noted that unchecked canopy expansion has created structural oversupply, putting many businesses at risk of economic harm.

The details

The Cannabis Control Commission voted to schedule a public hearing on a potential freeze of new cultivation licenses and a temporary moratorium on approving additional canopy capacity. Testifiers could also share their thoughts on freezing other license types including craft marijuana cooperatives, product manufacturing and micro-businesses. The commission offers a range of license types, and the number of licensees has risen from 223 in July 2023 to 686 in January, leading to the price compression issues.

  • The CCC voted last week to schedule the public hearing.
  • The CCC meeting where they may take action is scheduled for next Friday.

The players

Cannabis Control Commission

The state regulatory agency overseeing the cannabis industry in Massachusetts.

Kimberly Roy

A commissioner on the Cannabis Control Commission who noted that "price compression is really unsustainable, people are operating on pennies on the dollar, and then it's a race on raw volume versus quality of product."

Shannon O'Brien

The chair of the Cannabis Control Commission who said the move to potentially impose a licensing freeze could mark a "significant step" of the CCC exercising its regulatory authority.

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What they’re saying

“Unchecked canopy expansion has created structural oversupply, and without swift intervention, we continue to risk widespread economic harm to licensees in the communities that host them.”

— Kimberly Roy, Commissioner, Cannabis Control Commission (nbcboston.com)

“When the commissioners ask for a memo that will color and flavor and inform our thinking about regulations or conversations in a public meeting, the public needs to have confidence that we're doing this the right way.”

— Shannon O'Brien, Chair, Cannabis Control Commission (nbcboston.com)

What’s next

The Cannabis Control Commission will hold a public hearing on the potential licensing freeze and then vote on whether to implement it at their next meeting.

The takeaway

Massachusetts cannabis regulators are considering taking dramatic action to stabilize the state's marijuana market, which has been disrupted by an oversupply of product leading to plummeting prices. This move highlights the challenges facing the industry as it matures and the need for regulators to balance supporting businesses while also ensuring a competitive and sustainable market.