I am proud to nominate these three individuals to the Commission to ensure Rhode Island’s cannabis industry is fairly regulated and a success.
By Nancy Lavin of Rhode Island Current
Nominations have been made for the long-awaited three-member committee charged with overseeing the regulation of Rhode Island’s new recreational marijuana industry.
Gov. Dan McKee, a Democrat, announced his selections for the Cannabis Control Commission on Wednesday. McKee announced his picks for the Cannabis Control Commission on Wednesday, nearly a full year after the legalization of recreational cannabis in the state and 10 months past the July 4th deadline that he had set.
The three-member committee is responsible for overseeing the regulation and licensing of medical and recreational marijuana in the state. The delays in the nomination process has sparked criticism by lawmakers and industry representatives who claim that the delay is affecting the growth of the new industry and, therefore, the money flowing into the state coffers.
The Rhode Island House of Representatives, frustrated by the apparent lack of movement on McKee’s part, approved legislation last Thursday allowing the Office of Cannabis Regulation of the state to assume advertising responsibilities while the commission is formed.
McKee has chosen Kimberly Ahern as his deputy chief of staff. Shekarchi, the House Speaker, and former State Rep. Richard Jacquard, both Democrats, have also suggested names. Layi Oduyingbo is the third nominee.
McKee stated in a press release that he was “proud” to nominate these three individuals as members of the commission. These nominees have a wide range of relevant and diverse experience, and I am looking forward to working with each one.”
Olivia DaRocha responded via email when asked about the delays, saying that McKee’s Office was waiting for “comprehensive background check” to be done first.
All three nominees are law graduates and have experience in state government. Ahern served as McKee’s assistant chief of staff and former deputy counsel to the former governor. Gina Raimondo, a Democrat, and spent nine years as Gina Raimondo’s special assistant in the Rhode Island Office for the Attorney General.
Jacquard is a self employed attorney after retiring from the Cranston Police Department, where he spent 22 years. He was also a state rep from 1993 to 2020.
Oduyingbo is the managing attorney, founder and owner of a Cranston law firm that specializes in employment and personal injury law. He was previously a corporate attorney, where he dealt with compliance and governance issues. As an appellate lawyer, he represented veterans denied disability benefits. Oduyingbo was an accountant before that.
The Rhode Island Senate must approve all three nominees. A vote had not yet been scheduled for Wednesday.
Greg Pare is a spokesperson of the Senate. He says that the chamber will not comment on any nominations requiring its approval before the process begins.
Shekarchi said in an email response on Wednesday that “Governor McKee has made excellent choices, and I am confident the Senate will thoroughly vet all three nominees throughout the confirmation process.”
This article was originally published by Rhode Island Current.
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The post Rhode Island Gov. Names Marijuana Board Members After Long Delay first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
