Cannabis Board Discusses Administrative Updates, Enforcement and Licensing

The Cannabis Advisory Board met Wednesday but could not vote due to a lack of quorum. Instead, the meeting focused on administrative updates and discussions on key regulatory matters.

Licensing and Application Process

Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Regulation, Joanne Moorehead, said that the licensing process remains on track, with applications for micro-cultivation permits set to be released by March 31. Board Chair Dr. Catherine Kean sought clarity regarding the deadline for applications. Moorehead explained that public question-and-answer meetings would be necessary to ensure applicants fully understand the process.

“When we do open the applications, it will require some public Q&A meetings so that they are clear on when to submit and how to submit. I don’t think that it will be as easy as a one-page type of thing where people go online, fill it out, and return it,” she said, anticipating that varying levels of tech savviness among applicants may create challenges.

She further clarified that the process is merit-based rather than first come, first served. Moorehead anticipates that cultivation applications will be opened before Requests for Proposals for the lab testing facilities. By law, cultivation applications must remain open for a minimum of 60 days.