Shawn Collins never set out to become a leading voice in cannabis regulation or strategic policymaking. He grew up in a working-class home where solving problems meant fixing them - practically, honestly, and with integrity. His father ran an auto repair business, he kind where reliability mattered more than flash. His mother climbed from bank teller to executive leadership. Neither had formal degrees, but both embodied a belief Shawn still carries: integrity isn’t negotiable, and good work is never optional.

Shawn earned his undergraduate and law degrees from Suffolk University at night, working full-time throughout. That relentless work ethic carried him through leadership roles in state politics and public finance, culminating in his unanimous appointment as the inaugural Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission.

In that high-profile role, Shawn didn’t just navigate complex regulatory frameworks - he helped build them. He was trusted to deliver clarity amidst political pressure, legal complexity, and public scrutiny, creating systems designed not just to withstand today’s headlines, but tomorrow’s transitions.

Today, as Founder and Principal of The Homegrown Consulting Group, Shawn advises entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, compliance professionals, and legal teams operating in highly regulated and rapidly evolving sectors. He’s valued for his precision, strategic clarity, and ability to cut through noise - offering judgment that’s as practical as it is principled.

Shawn’s expertise spans cannabis and hemp regulation, compliance strategy, legislative advocacy, and public policy design. He has counseled top-tier cannabis operators, multistate executives, local governments, and trade associations navigating overlapping state and federal frameworks. Boston Magazine named him one of the city’s most influential Bostonians, and his insights have been featured in outlets such as Politico, The Boston Globe, and Marijuana Moment.

A frequent speaker and trusted voice in policy circles, Shawn is known not just for understanding the rules, but for helping shape them. Whether advising behind the scenes or speaking publicly, he brings a grounded, credible voice to industries where stakes are high and clarity is rare.

When he’s not helping clients solve complex problems, Shawn spends time with his wife, daughter and rescue dog - staying grounded in the reasons the work matters.