An Act for cannabis market modernization

S 99 modernizes Massachusetts' cannabis regulations by updating licensing rules, ownership limits, and operational requirements. It establishes clear definitions for "direct/indirect control" to prevent excessive corporate ownership (capping at 9 retailers, 3 medical centers, etc.), allows advertising through websites/email, and requires social equity business employees to register without fees. The bill also mandates tax compliance for license renewals and imposes a 180-day pause on new licenses (except for social equity applicants or existing complete applications). These changes directly affect cannabis businesses, their employees, and social equity program participants by streamlining operations while restricting market concentration.