For Immediate Release: Friday, May 3, 2019
Contact: David Heidrich, (207) 624-7491
Director of Engagement and Community Outreach, Office of Marijuana Policy
Office of Marijuana Policy releases proposed version of adult use rules, schedules hearing in Portland to receive feedback from the public
AUGUSTA – The Office of Marijuana Policy has scheduled a public hearing to gather input on the latest version of rulemaking that will govern the State of Maine’s adult use marijuana program. The hearing is the first opportunity for individuals to provide in-person testimony on OCP’s proposed rules.
The public hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, May 23, 2019 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. The hearing will begin at 8:00am and conclude when interested members of the public complete their testimony. The physical address is 88 Spring St, Portland, ME 04101, and parking is available on-site and in neighboring garages and surface lots. Limited street parking is also available.
OCP is proposing to introduce a rule to establish a regulatory framework governing adult use, also known as recreational, marijuana in Maine. The Marijuana Legalization Act includes both mandatory and discretionary rulemaking concerning OCP and its umbrella organization, the Department of Administrative and Financial Services. Broadly, statute states that DAFS shall “adopt all rules necessary to implement, administer and enforce” the MLA. In addition, the statute specifies rulemaking in areas including, but not limited to, tracking marijuana plants and product, enforcement and compliance, health and safety data, labeling and packaging, and licensing and fees.
The proposed rule is available online and interested parties may submit feedback through the DAFS website.
Industry stakeholders, other interested groups, and members of the public are encouraged to provide input on the draft rules either by attending the public hearing or providing written comment. Public comment will be accepted until 5:00pm EDT on Sunday, June 2, 2019. Comment may be submitted through the DAFS website or forwarded to Erik Gundersen, Office of Marijuana Policy, at 162 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0162; 207-287-2671 (fax); or by email at erik.gundersen@maine.gov (Subject line: Rulemaking Comment).
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