Cannabis Conversations Panel Series

The Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) has launched a "Cannabis Conversations" panel series to engage with program participants and stakeholders on industry-specific topics. All past events can be viewed on OCP's YouTube channel.

Past Cannabis Conversations

Cannabis Conversation on Testing Lab Standards

Cannabis testing facilities undergo a thorough licensing, certification, and accreditation process before they can begin operating in Maine. On December 22, 2025, the Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) hosted a Cannabis Conversation on Testing Lab Standards to dive deeper into what is required at each of those stages along with what is expected of testing facilities once they are licensed. Learn how OCP and Maine’s Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) work to ensure that the practices and procedures in place at the state’s certified cannabis testing labs are science-based, data-driven, and focused on protecting consumers.

A recording of this event is available on OCP's YouTube channel.

Resources Shared:

Rules for the Certification of Cannabis Testing Facilities, 18-691 C.M.R. Ch. 5

Panelists:

Christine Blais, Laboratory Accreditation Officer, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention 
Diana McKenzie, Chemist II, Maine Office of Cannabis Policy

Moderator:

John Hudak, Director, Maine Office of Cannabis Policy

Cannabis Conversation on Sales Trends (10/9/25)

October 9, 2025, marked five years since the launch of adult use cannabis retail sales in Maine. The Office of Cannabis Policy hosted a Cannabis Conversation on Sales Trends to examine how Maine adult use cannabis sales and consumer behavior have evolved over the last five years, the state of the adult use market in Maine today, and how these trends compare and contrast with the Maine Medical Use of Cannabis Program.

A recording of this event is available on OCP's YouTube channel.

Resources Shared:

Presentation shared during the event
OCP's Adult Use Data Dashboard
OCP's Medical Use Data Dashboard
OCP's Annual Reports
OCP's Reports & Surveys

Presenter:

Eric Miller, Data Analytics Director, Maine Office of Cannabis Policy

Moderator:

John Hudak, Director, Maine Office of Cannabis Policy

Cannabis Conversation on Sample Collection (12/12/24)

In light of recent audit testing and recalls of adult use cannabis and cannabis products, the Office of Cannabis Policy hosted a Cannabis Conversation on Sample Collection on December 12, 2024. This webinar provided licensees with reminders and best practices for self-sampling, including how to ensure a representative sample is properly collected from any batch subject to mandatory testing. OCP also discussed lessons learned from its audit testing program and the recent issuance of adult use cannabis recalls in Maine.

A recording of this event is available on OCP's YouTube channel.

Resources Shared:

Panelists:

Vern Malloch, Deputy Director of Operations, Maine Office of Cannabis Policy
Diana McKenzie, Chemist II, Maine Office of Cannabis Policy

Moderator:

John Hudak, Director, Maine Office of Cannabis Policy

Cannabis Conversation on Banking (11/28/23)

OCP's panel discussion on November 28, 2023, examined the obstacles interested financial institutions face at the state and federal levels when it comes to engaging with cannabis businesses, the chances and potential impacts of federal cannabis banking reform, and steps Maine cannabis businesses and stakeholders can take to improve access to banking.

A recording of this event is available on OCP's YouTube channel.

Resources Shared:

Panelists:

Aaron Klein, Miriam K. Carliner Chair and senior fellow in Economic Studies, Brookings Institution
Ellen Parent, Director of Compliance, Maine Credit Union League

Moderator:

John Hudak, Director, Office of Cannabis Policy

Cannabis Conversation on Testing & Contaminants (9/19/23)

OCP hosted a panel discussion on September 19, 2023, exploring the different contaminants that can be found in cannabis, the important role testing plays in ensuring regulated cannabis is free of these harmful contaminants, and how they can affect the health of patients and consumers. 

A recording of this event is available on OCP's YouTube channel.

Resources Shared:

Panelists:

Steph Sherer, Founder and President, Americans for Safe Access (ASA)
Patty Locuratolo Hymanson, MD, Neurologist, Maine State Representative 2015-2022

Moderator:

John Hudak, Director, Office of Cannabis Policy

Cannabis Conversation on Sustainability (7/18/23)

As cannabis cultivation and consumption rates continue to increase in Maine and across the country, so does the industry’s environmental footprint. OCP's Cannabis Conversation on Sustainability held on July 18, 2023, covered best practices for energy efficiency, waste minimization, water management, and more.

A recording of this event is available on OCP's YouTube channel.

Resources Shared:

Panelists:

Julie Churchill, Director of the Office of Innovation and Assistance, Maine Department of Environmental Protection
Mark King, Environmental Specialist, Maine Department of Environmental Protection
Daniel Raynor, Industrial Administrator for Energize Denver, Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency
Skip Sullivan, Cofounder, High Tide Organic

Moderator:

John Hudak, Director, Office of Cannabis Policy