Task Force Purpose
Pursuant to P.L. 2023, ch. 679, the Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) is convening a task force to review how other states regulate cannabis hospitality establishments and to draft policy recommendations for regulating those establishments in Maine. Topics of discussion will include but not be limited to cannabis hospitality license types, regulations for different consumption methods, regulations for non-cannabis products/services at cannabis hospitality establishments, employee training, and local control.
Eligibility Criteria
Representatives from OCP will chair the task force and seek applicants that fill the following positions, at a minimum:
- One (1) Representative of the 2016 cannabis legalization ballot measure
- One (1) Expert on cannabis policy
- One (1) Expert on cannabis culinary arts
- One (1) Representative of the interests of adult use cannabis consumers
- Two (2) Representatives of the interests of municipal governments
- Two (2) Representatives of the interests of adult use cannabis licensees
- One (1) Representative of the interests of the hospitality industry
- Two (2) Representatives of public health
- One (1) Representative of public safety
Task force members will serve as volunteers and must satisfy the requirements of the specific seats they seek to hold. Interested individuals have until Friday, May 31, 2024 to apply to be on the task force.
In addition to holding expertise for the respective seat of application, applicants must:
- Not be a registered lobbyist with the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices except for those individuals who lobby solely and directly on behalf of their employer.
- Be in good standing with OCP.
- Remain open to other members' perspectives and participate in respectful and thoughtful dialogue.
Meetings
The task force will have at least four hybrid meetings to discuss options and recommendations for cannabis hospitality establishments in Maine. Meetings will be held on the following dates and livestreamed for public viewing:
- Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. EDT
- Wednesday, July 24, 2024 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. EDT
- Wednesday, August 14, 2024 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. EDT
- Wednesday, August 28, 2024 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. EDT
NOTE: Members of the task force are expected to be available for all meetings.
Individuals with questions about the Cannabis Hospitality Task Force can contact Alexis Soucy at Alexis.Soucy@maine.gov.