A bipartisan group of 10 Maine lawmakers today introduced legislation to create a Cannabis Advisory Council that would provide guidance on marijuana policy and industry oversight.
The measure, which has been referred to the House and Senate Veterans and Legal Affairs Committees, is sponsored by Senator Craig Hickman (D) and co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of nine lawmakers: Senators Jill Duson (D), Nicole Grohoski (D), Jeff Timberlake (R), and James Tipping (D), along with Representatives Jessica Boyer (R), Grayson Lookner (D), Amanda Collamore (R), Ronald Fredette (R), and Amy Arata (R).
If enacted, the legislation would establish a 10-member Cannabis Advisory Council composed of individuals from both the medical and adult-use marijuana industries, public health experts, a municipal official, and members of the public with relevant knowledge. Appointments would be made by the Senate President, House Speaker, and the Director of the Office of Cannabis Policy.
The council would be tasked with making recommendations to both the Office of Cannabis Policy and the Legislature on improving and maintaining the quality of Maine’s marijuana industries. Issues within their purview would include oversight of the state’s seed-to-sale tracking system, public health protections, and the implications of potential federal legalization.
Members of the council would serve three-year terms and be reimbursed for expenses. Meetings would be held at least once annually, with the ability to convene more frequently as needed. The costs of operating the council would be split between the state’s medical and adult-use marijuana funds.
