Late last week, the Office of Marijuana Policy announced it is creating a Workgroup to advise on regulatory issues, best practices access and education, contribute to ongoing improvements in Maine’s medical cannabis program and fulfill the stakeholder engagement charges in Public Laws.

This new Medical Marijuana Workgroup is to be composed of at least 16 external members who represent Maine’s industry, cannabis patients, public health system and towns and cities.  The Office is seeking qualified applicants to fill seats on this Workgroup.   Representatives from OMP will chair the workgroup and join members in discussions which will focus on changes or updates which may be necessary to the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Program.

The workgroup will be convened virtually at least four times over the coming months.  Outcomes resulting from the meeting are expected to include steps that may be taken through legislation and rulemaking or developing recommendations for streamlining the Office’s licensing and compliance processes to ensure the medical-use program is fulfilling the hallmarks of a regulated industry.

Workgroup members will serve as volunteers and must satisfy the requirements of the specific seats they hold.  At least five registered caregivers, two registered  dispensary representatives, one marijuana testing facility representative, one products manufacturing facility representatives, three qualifying patients who are not also registered caregivers, two individuals representing municipalties in Maine, and two relevant health care professionals.  The Office reserves the right to include additional representatives at its sole discretion.

The first virtual meeting of the Workgroup will be held on Tuesday, September 28, 2:00 – 4:00 pm – EDT.