Attorneys with Expertise in Marijuana Legalization and Implementation to Join the Commission
BOSTON — Today, Treasurer Goldberg, Governor Baker, and Attorney General Healey appointed Kay Doyle and Shaleen Title to the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). Per statute, 1 appointment should have professional experience in oversight or industry management, including commodities, production or distribution in a regulated industry and 1 with a background in legal, policy or social justice issues related to a regulated industry. These appointees will serve a term of 3 years.
“I am pleased to join the Governor and the Attorney General in appointing Kay Doyle and Shaleen Title,” said Treasurer Deb Goldberg. “I believe their knowledge and expertise will benefit the Cannabis Control Commission greatly as they work toward safe and timely implementation of this new industry in Massachusetts.”
“We are pleased to partner with the Treasurer and Attorney General on these important appointments as our administration works with the Cannabis Control Commission to implement the will of the people,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Executing the duties of the commission responsibly is vital to safely laying the groundwork for this new industry in the Commonwealth.”
“Shaleen Title and Kay Doyle bring a high level of experience and sound judgment to the Cannabis Control Commission,” said Attorney General Maura Healey. “I am confident that they will serve the people of Massachusetts well in getting this new Commission and this new industry off the ground.”
“I am honored and humbled by this appointment and want to thank Governor Baker, Attorney General Healey and Treasurer Goldberg for the opportunity to continue serving the Commonwealth,” said Ms. Doyle. I look forward to working with Chairman Hoffman and my fellow commissioners to implement safe and sensible regulations that protect the health and wellness of Massachusetts residents.”
“I'm honored to be entrusted with implementing the will of the Commonwealth's voters in forming a new post-prohibition approach to regulating marijuana in a way that will effectively protect public health and safety,” said Ms. Title. “I'm especially eager to help Massachusetts set a good example for other states in creating a newly legal market that champions equity, including for communities that have been targeted by past criminalization policies.”
Kay Doyle served as Deputy General Counsel to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. There, she acted as primary counsel to the Medical Use of Marijuana Program, advising the Program regarding federal and state law relating to marijuana. Prior to this, Kay represented private and municipal clients in civil rights, land use and medical marijuana regulation matters, among others, as an attorney for Kopelman and Paige, P.C.
Shaleen Title is a co-founder of THC Staffing Group, a cannabis recruiting firm focused on equality and inclusion. As an attorney specializing in marijuana regulations, she has provided regulatory expertise for leading marijuana consulting firms including 4Front Advisors and Vicente Sederberg. She co-authored the Massachusetts marijuana legalization referendum and has consulted on state and local marijuana policy around the country. Shaleen is also a founding board member of the Minority Cannabis Business Association, sits on the boards of the Family Law and Cannabis Alliance and Marijuana Majority. She also serves as a trustee for Students for Sensible Drug Policy.
The 5 member Cannabis Control Commission in an independent agency, with appointees from the Treasurer, Governor, and the Attorney General, that was established by Chapter 55 of the Acts of 2017 which was signed by the Governor in July. Their role is to establish, regulate, and oversee the Commonwealth’s new recreational marijuana industry passed by voters in November of 2016.
###