18.05.02 Last Day of the 2018 Maine Legislative Session
Letter of Legislative Update from the Catherine Lewis, Board Chair of the Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine
The 2018 State of Maine Legislative Session has been one of the most challenging we as an organization have been witness too. Along with the challenges, we did see the development of the "Stakeholders" working together and with the support of the DHHS Committee to move the processes forward. We also have developed greater relationships with our legislative representatives and have been able to share information and educate those voting on issues effecting those participating in the Maine Medical Cannabis Program.
However, after going through this Legislative session over the past 2 years we are at an impasse now with the 2 bills we submitted and passed through both chambers, being held in limbo due to political positioning and the inability of the Legislature to agree to work together to finish the work of the People.
Hundreds of hours were spent volunteering to write these bills, consulting with those involved including the departments of oversight, members of the trade association, stakeholders, consultants and legislative committee members and the public. We strove to make Maine's Medical program better and stronger for Maine patients, and give greater control to DHHS to ensure compliance. These bills would significantly increase State revenue, compliance and safer and greater access to patients. It appears we will need to take them up again next year and due to the adult use bill passing with the decision to move the medical cannabis program to Dafs, we have our work cut out for us educating a new audience.
The rule changes, impending department changes and new Legislative representatives and Governor all mean uncertainty going forward. We as the Trade Association will be working to help with understanding the future of the Maine Medical Cannabis Program.
At this time we must wait to see if these bills will be taken up in special session or left to die on the table. It appears unlikely they will move forward until next session.
We appreciate the support we have recieved and look forward to making the positive changes needed to protect Maine patients and the small businesses serving them.
Read MoreThe 2018 State of Maine Legislative Session has been one of the most challenging we as an organization have been witness too. Along with the challenges, we did see the development of the "Stakeholders" working together and with the support of the DHHS Committee to move the processes forward. We also have developed greater relationships with our legislative representatives and have been able to share information and educate those voting on issues effecting those participating in the Maine Medical Cannabis Program.
However, after going through this Legislative session over the past 2 years we are at an impasse now with the 2 bills we submitted and passed through both chambers, being held in limbo due to political positioning and the inability of the Legislature to agree to work together to finish the work of the People.
Hundreds of hours were spent volunteering to write these bills, consulting with those involved including the departments of oversight, members of the trade association, stakeholders, consultants and legislative committee members and the public. We strove to make Maine's Medical program better and stronger for Maine patients, and give greater control to DHHS to ensure compliance. These bills would significantly increase State revenue, compliance and safer and greater access to patients. It appears we will need to take them up again next year and due to the adult use bill passing with the decision to move the medical cannabis program to Dafs, we have our work cut out for us educating a new audience.
The rule changes, impending department changes and new Legislative representatives and Governor all mean uncertainty going forward. We as the Trade Association will be working to help with understanding the future of the Maine Medical Cannabis Program.
At this time we must wait to see if these bills will be taken up in special session or left to die on the table. It appears unlikely they will move forward until next session.
We appreciate the support we have recieved and look forward to making the positive changes needed to protect Maine patients and the small businesses serving them.
