Subscribe to our RSS feedrss

Maine Forms Task Force To Implement New Medical Marijuana Law

Source: Governor of Maine
Posted on: 10th November 2009

Governor John E. Baldacci today signed an executive order forming a task force to make recommendations on the implementation of a new medical marijuana law approved Tuesday by Maine voters.

“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 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.

“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.”

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.

Appointments to the task force have not been finalized. The task force will make its recommendations by Dec. 31, 2009.

The text of the Executive Order follows:

04 FY 10/11

November 6, 2009

An Order Establishing the Committee on the Implementation of the Maine Medical Marijuana Act

WHEREAS, it appears that on November 3, 2009 the citizens of Maine approved the Maine Medical Marijuana Act; and

WHEREAS, the Act specifies short timelines for implementation; and

WHEREAS, there are numerous policy and procedural issues involving various interests and stakeholders that must be considered and resolved in order to effectively implement this law;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, John E. Baldacci, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby order the creation of the Committee on the Implementation of the Maine Medical Marijuana Act.

Purpose

The Committee is created to perform the following functions:

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.

Membership and Support

The Committee shall consist of fourteen members, ten of whom are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services or her designee shall serve as chair.

The Committee Members appointed by the Governor shall include:

A representative of the Department of Health and Human Services

A representative of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation

A representative of the Department of Public Safety

A representative of the Attorney General’s Office

A representative of patients who would be qualifying patients under the direct initiative

A representative of physicians

A supporter of the Direct Initiative “An Act to Establish the Maine Medical Marijuana Act”

A representative of the hospice movement in Maine

Two members of the public

The President of the Senate may appoint two members of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House may appoint two members of the House of Representatives. Members appointed by the President of the Senate and by the Speaker of the House shall serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority.

The Committee may call on representatives of other state agencies or organizations not represented on the Committee to provide limited information or to participate fully in the Committee when, in the Committee’s discretion, that person has responsibilities or expertise in a particular area that would be helpful to the work of the Committee. Staff support to the Committee shall be provided by the Department of Health and Human Services and other state agencies as needed.

Procedures

The Committee shall meet at times and places called by the Chair, and shall complete its work and make its recommendations by December 31, 2009. The members of the Committee shall serve without compensation.

Effective Date

The effective date of this Executive Order is November 6, 2009.

Topics: , , , , , , , , ,

Print This Article in Plain Text Print This Article in Plain Text


Receive the Gov Monitor Newsletter

Latest Headlines

In The News

Canada Announces Funding For The 147th Antigonish Highland Games

On behalf of the Honourable James

Canada Expanding Trade Relations With South Africa

The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister

Scotland To Create Confidential Helpline For Men Being Abused

A new service is being set

What Is The Future For Scotland’s Public Information Notices “PIN”

Legislation enabling councils to use online

£34 Million To Make Welsh Homes More Energy Efficient

The Welsh Assembly Government plans to