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.
Membership
The task force is composed of 15 members, in addition to representatives from OCP. The Office will be leading and conducting all meetings.
| Name | Organization (if applicable) | Seat Occupied |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Tracy | N/A | Expert on Cannabis Policy |
| David Ferragamo | Private Chef | Expert on Cannabis Culinary Arts |
| Pablo R. Barajas | Litty Bittys | Expert on Cannabis Culinary Arts |
| Rose Mahoney | N/A | Representing the Interests of Adult Use Cannabis Consumers |
| Steve Rusnack | Full Bloom Cannabis | Representing the Interests of Adult Use Cannabis Consumers |
| Chris Beaumont | City of Portland | Representing the Interests of Municipal Governments |
| Jon Rioux | Town of Windham | Representing the Interests of Municipal Governments |
| Natasha Johnson | Meristem | Representing the Interests of Adult Use Cannabis Licensees |
| Richelle Brossi | Highbrow | Representing the Interests of Adult Use Cannabis Licensees |
| Julie Cutting-Kelley | Emerald Elevation/Cure Restaurant | Representing the Interests of the Hospitality Industry |
| Nate Cloutier | HospitalityMaine | Representing the Interests of the Hospitality Industry |
| Anne Sedlack | Maine Medical Association | Representing Public Health |
| Jamie Comstock | Bangor Public Health | Representing Public Health |
| Jiffy Kelley-Young | City of Portland – Division of Public Health | Representing Public Health |
| Heather Sullivan | Curaleaf | Supporter of the 2016 Cannabis Legalization Ballot Measure |
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:
- 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
Interested members of the public may stream the task force meetings live, or review archived meetings, through OCP’s YouTube channel. Meeting materials, recordings, and other information will be posted below as it becomes available.
Meeting Materials
| Meeting Date | Material | Author/Submitter |
|---|---|---|
| July 10, 2024 | Agenda: Cannabis Hospitality Task Force – Meeting #1 | Office of Cannabis Policy |
| July 10, 2024 | Supporting Document: Cannabis Hospitality Task Force Member Bios | Office of Cannabis Policy |
| July 10, 2024 | Supporting Document: Cannabis Hospitality's National Footprint | Office of Cannabis Policy |
| July 10, 2024 | YouTube Video: Cannabis Hospitality Task Force Meeting #1 | Office of Cannabis Policy |
Individuals with questions about the Cannabis Hospitality Task Force can contact Alexis Soucy at Alexis.Soucy@maine.gov.