Governor Creates Medical Marijuana Task Force

by Mike Reynolds

On November 6^th, after question 5, a referendum to expand Maine's Medical Marijuana law was passed, Governor John Baldacci started a task force of 14 members to guide how the new law would be enacted. The Task force, which is scheduled to meet 3 times, on December 1st, December 8 and December 15. Baldacci stated in a press release that “It’s important that we have a diverse group of people working on this issue,” Governor Baldacci said. “Creating a new pharmaceutical distribution system is a complicated undertaking. Our goal is to follow the spirit and intent of the law while avoiding unintended consequences that could create serious problems in the future.” Baldacci continued in his press release, “Given the results of Tuesday’s election, it’s my responsibility to find the most reasonable way to implement the will of the people while also ensuring that we have appropriate safeguards in place to protect public health and safety,” Governor Baldacci said. “The law as written has shortcomings that must be addressed.”

The  creaztion of the task force was done by excutive order on November 6, but the members of the task force were not named until  November 23rd.  State officials say it could take at least 6 months to set up dispensaries, according to a report by MPBN.

The task force will include 14 members, including representatives of the Department of Health and Humans Services, law enforcement, the medical community and patient advocates. Two members of the Senate may be appointed by the President of the Senate and two members House of Representatives by the Speaker of the House. In addition, the task force may call upon other experts as necessary.

The Task Force will review the implementation of similar laws in other states; Make recommendations on the implementation of the law in Maine, including recommendations for changes in the enacted law that are deemed necessary to ensure effective implementation and ongoing monitoring of the medical marijuana program, and protection of public health and safety; and Advise the Department of Health and Human Services in its development of proposed rules and fee schedules.

The following people have been appointed by the Governor, representing the interests as outlined by the Nov. 6 issued Executive Order:

Commissioner Brenda Harvey, Department of Health and Human Services

Commissioner Anne Head, Department of Professional and Financial Regulation

Commissioner Anne Jordan, Department of Public Safety

Attorney General Janet Mills

Faith Benedetti, currently self-employed and former Program Coordinator of the Dayspring AIDS Support Services, representing patients who would be qualifying patients under the direct initiative

Gordon Smith, Executive Vice President, Maine Medical Association, representing physicians

Dan Walker, partner at Preti Flaherty, a supporter of the Direct Initiative “An Act to Establish the Maine Medical Marijuana Act”

Kandyce Powell, Executive Director, Maine Hospice Council, representing the hospice movement in Maine

Ken Altshuler, partner at the firm Childs, Rundlett, Fifield, Shumway & Altshuler, representing the public

John McElwee, retired District Court judge, representing the public

The Legislative Members are Sen. Joe Brannigan and Rep. Anne Perry, chairs of the Health and Human Services Committee, and Sen. Stan Gerzofsky and Rep. Anne Haskell, chairs of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.

The meetings will begin on Tuesday December 1st and 8th, 12:00 - 3:30, in the DHHS Commissioner's Conf. Rm., 221 State St. in Augusta. The last will be December 15th from 1 PM – 4PM.