We know that people have been waiting patiently for us to begin. We are excited to start working .”
By Christopher Shea of Rhode Island Current
Nearly one year after its formation, Rhode Island’s Cannabis Control Commission has finally started working. However, it will be at least until the summer before it can truly get up and running.
The first meeting of the three-member commission took place Thursday in the Department of Administration Building. They introduced themselves to the public and listened to a presentation of 50 minutes by the Rhode Island Ethics Commission, which took most of the one-hour-long session.
Kimberly Ahern, Chair of the Commission, said in an after-meeting interview that “we know many people were waiting for us start.” “And we look forward to working.”
Robert Jacquard, a former state representative and Olayiwola Oduyingbo, a personal injury lawyer, are also members of the commission. The Cannabis Control Commission is yet to schedule its next meeting.
The commission has the responsibility of overseeing the regulation and licensing for recreational and medical marijuana within the state. Ahern stated that the process will likely begin in late summer.
Ahern stated that the commission needs to fill two positions. An administrative professional and a chief legal counsel. The salary of the chief legal counsel ranges from $105,319 up to $122,2900. The job has been posted online since Tuesday. Applications are open until July 6.
There is no job posting online for administrative professionals as of Thursday, June 29.
Ahern stated that commissioners will also conduct a listening trip across Rhode Island. She said this was something the Cannabis Control Commission did in Massachusetts, a neighboring state. Ahern has not yet scheduled any stops, but she said that sessions would likely take place in towns like Bristol, Providence and Warwick.
She said, “Maybe more depending on the attendance.” Once we have done that, we will be able to set a baseline for future meetings.
Ahern stated that hearing from Rhode Islanders is in line with the Commission’s goal to prioritize social equity measures.
According to the state’s marijuana law, “social equity” applicants are those who have “been disproportionately affected by criminal enforcement of cannabis laws, including individuals convicted for nonviolent offenses of marijuana, immediate family of individuals convicted for nonviolent offenses of marijuana, and individuals that have lived in disproportionately affected areas for atleast five years.”
Ahern stated, “We would like to hear directly from those most affected.”
Seven licensed compassion centers are currently allowed to sell medical and recreational marijuana in Rhode Island. The commission has the authority to grant 24 additional retail licenses. Six of these are reserved for applicants who meet social equity criteria, and six more are reserved for worker-owned cooperatives.
Before that can happen, however, the state must first create a Cannabis Advisory Board consisting of eight non-voting and 11 voting members. The board will provide recommendations to the commission on rules and regulations.
Jason Calderon is the Vice President and CEO of Bonsai Buds in Exeter. How long will it take?
Caledron says that without a Cannabis Advisory Board the Commission cannot do its job properly, and this impacts his business. Caledron said that with things moving so slowly, his three-year plan will not likely become a reality for six to seven years.
He said that his business is self-sustaining.
Calderon stated, “Right Now we are in survival mode. We should be in thriving” mode.
Advertising, which was previously prohibited for Rhode Island’s dispensaries, could help his business thrive. The General Assembly has passed legislation that allows the Office of Cannabis Regulation to create rules for marijuana advertising by hybrid cannabis retailers, not cultivators.
Calderon stated, “That creates yet another monopoly.” It’s as if this state is always creating things that cause conflicts of interest.
Ahern stated that the commission has not yet set a date for when it expects to adopt advertising rules.
She said that one of the meetings will take place when we begin to look at the actual regulations.
Calderon said that despite his frustration at the state’s slowness in supporting the marijuana industry, he was happy to see a commission being formed and holding meetings.
Calderon stated, “Now that we have a body of accountability, it’s a big deal.” “That’s huge.”
This article was originally published by Rhode Island Current.
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Photo by Mike Latimer.
The first meeting of the Rhode Island Marijuana Regulation Commission was held on Marijuana Moment.
