An Act To Establish the Cannabis Advisory Commission
Maine Legislature, Session 128, LD 1596
Committee: Marijuana Legalization Implementation
Sponsors: JORGENSEN, DESCHAMBAULT
Amends: 5 MRSA §12004-I, 17-A MRSA §1361

Legislative Document
No. 1596
H.P. 1100
House of Representatives, May 11, 2017
An Act To Establish the Cannabis Advisory Commission
Submitted by the Department of the Attorney General pursuant to Joint Rule 204.
Reference to the Joint Select Committee on Marijuana Legalization Implementation 
suggested and ordered printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative JORGENSEN of Portland.
Cosponsored by Senator DESCHAMBAULT of York.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1.  5 MRSA §12004-I, sub-§52-C is enacted to read: 
52-C.   
Sec. 2.  17-A MRSA c. 56 is enacted to read: 
CHAPTER 56 
CANNABIS ADVISORY COMMISSION 
§1361.  Establishment 
The Cannabis Advisory Commission, established by Title 5, section 12004-I, 
subsection 52-C and referred to in this chapter as "the commission," is created for the 
purpose of conducting a continuing study of the laws relating to cannabis. 
§1362.  Membership; terms; vacancies 
1.  The commission consists of 15 members: 
A.  The Director of the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations within 
the Department of Administrative and Financial Services or the director's designee; 
B.  The Commissioner of Health and Human Services or the commissioner's 
designee; 
C.  The Commissioner of Professional and Financial Regulation or the 
commissioner's designee; 
D.  The Commissioner of Public Safety or the commissioner's designee; 
E.  The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry or the 
commissioner's designee; 
F.  A representative of proponents of the Marijuana Legalization Act appointed by 
the Attorney General; 
G.  A representative of a statewide municipal association appointed by the Attorney 
General; 
H.  A representative of a statewide medical association appointed by the Attorney 
General; 
I.  A representative of a statewide organization representing the medical marijuana 
industry appointed by the Attorney General; 
J.  Two members of the public appointed by the Attorney General; 
Judiciary:  
Cannabis 
Cannabis Advisory 
Commission 
Expenses Only 
17-A MRSA §1361 
K.  Two members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate, including 
members from each of the 2 parties holding the largest number of seats in the 
Legislature; and 
L.  Two members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the 
House, including members from each of the 2 parties holding the largest number of 
seats in the Legislature. 
2.  Public members of the commission serve for a term of 2 years and may be 
reappointed.  Members of the commission who are Legislators serve during the term of 
office for which they were elected. 
3.  In the event of the death or resignation of a public member, the vacancy for the 
member's unexpired term must be filled through an appointment by the Attorney General. 
4.  A quorum of the commission consists of 8 members. 
§1363.  Duties 
1.  The commission shall review laws and rules pertaining to the use, possession, 
transportation and consumption of cannabis as defined by Title 7, section 2422 and any 
other provision of law or rule pertaining to cannabis, including but not limited to laws and 
rules regarding public health, public safety, juvenile and adult criminal and civil offenses, 
workplace drug testing, workplace safety, motor vehicles, alcohol, landlords and tenants, 
the medical use of marijuana and taxes. 
2.  The commission shall submit to the Legislature such changes to the laws as it 
considers appropriate to preserve the public safety and well-being of the citizens of the 
State and the intent of citizens as expressed in passage of the Marijuana Legalization Act. 
3.  The commission may hold public hearings at such times and at such places as the 
commission considers appropriate in order to take testimony concerning the use, 
possession and distribution of cannabis and the agreement of the Marijuana Legalization 
Act with other provisions of law. 
4.  The commission shall issue a report of its findings and concerns to the Legislative 
Council by January 15th annually. 
§1364.  Organization; staff 
1.  The Legislative Council shall provide staffing services to the commission, except 
that the Legislative Council staff support is not authorized when the Legislature is in 
regular or special session.  The Executive Director of the Legislative Council shall notify 
all members of the commission of the time and place of the first meeting.  At that time 
the commission shall organize, elect a chair, vice-chair and secretary-treasurer and adopt 
policies as to the administration of the commission and its affairs. 
2.  Within the limits of its budget, the commission may contract with and employ 
staff members, who need not be residents of this State, to assist in legal research and 
drafting required in connection with the duties of the commission. 
3.  Whenever the commission considers it appropriate, the commission may seek the 
advice of consultants or experts, including representatives of the legislative and executive 
branches of State Government, in fields related to its duties. 
§1365.  Reimbursement of expenses 
The members of the commission must be compensated according to Title 5, chapter 
379. 
SUMMARY 
This bill establishes the Cannabis Advisory Commission for the purpose of 
conducting a continuing study of the laws related to cannabis.