Maine is seeking qualified applicants for a new advisory workgroup within the state medical cannabis program.
On Friday, August 20, the Office of Marijuana Policy (OMP) announced that it is looking for people to advise on regulatory issues, best practices for patient access and education, and help improve the medical cannabis program.
The effort is separate from Maine’s Marijuana Advisory Commission that advises the legislature on medical and adult-use cannabis.
The OMP says the workgroup is temporary and will advise the OMP directly.
According to the OMP, the Medical Marijuana Workgroup (MMW) will consist of at least 16 external members representing the state’s medical cannabis industry, patients, public health system, and local jurisdictions.
OMP representatives will act as chairs of the workgroup and join member discussions focused on necessary changes to the state medical cannabis program.
The OMP says the MMW will virtually convene at least four times in the coming months.
“We look forward to the opportunity presented by convening a group of well-qualified individuals in pursuit of a shared goal to both preserve patient access and support the regulated marketplace,” says OMP Director Erik Gundersen. “Our vision as a cannabis regulator has always been to develop a good faith partnership with our stakeholders by establishing rules and policies that provide interested consumers with access to a regulated industry.”
The OMP expects the virtual meetings to result in legislation, rules, and recommendations that streamline its licensing and compliance processes and guarantee the medical cannabis program is meeting industry needs.
The MMW will hold its virtual meetings on the following dates:
Tuesday, September 28, 2021, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. EDT
Tuesday, October 12, 2021, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT
Tuesday, November 2, 2021, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. EDT
Tuesday, November 30, 2021, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. EST
According to the OMP, MMW members will be volunteers and must meet the requirements of their desired positions.
The OMP is seeking at least five registered caregivers, two registered dispensary representatives, one cannabis testing facility representative, one products manufacturing facility representative, three qualifying patients who are not caregivers, two municipality representatives, and two relevant health care professionals.
The OMP says it reserves the right to add more representatives at its discretion.
People interested in being part of the MMW can apply via the online form.
The application period is open until the end of the day on Friday, September 3.
