Bill > S88

This bill aims to strengthen oversight and enforcement of ownership limits in the cannabis industry by granting new powers to regulatory bodies. The Cannabis Control Commission would be required to conduct audits of marijuana establishments and treatment centers to ensure compliance with existing ownership regulations, establish a whistleblower protection program to safeguard individuals who report violations or anti-competitive practices, create an anonymous tip line for reporting suspected infractions, and develop a publicly accessible database of license ownership information. The Inspector General and the State Auditor would be given authority to audit cannabis license holders' ownership structures, financial arrangements, and management agreements, with findings to be reported to the Cannabis Control Commission and legislative cannabis policy committee chairs. These provisions are designed to promote transparency, prevent market consolidation, and protect smaller, equity-focused cannabis businesses by ensuring that no single entity or group can dominate the industry. The bill seeks to create more accountability and fairness in the cannabis licensing system by providing multiple mechanisms for monitoring and reporting potential violations of ownership regulations.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S88