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House committee hears industry push and OLCC opposition to requiring an OLCC commissioner hold a cannabis license
Summary
At a May 5 public hearing, cannabis industry representatives urged passage of Senate Bill 557 to require one Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission commissioner to be a licensed cannabis operator; OLCC staff warned the change could erode public trust and create conflicts of interest. The committee held the hearing and did not vote.
The House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business and Trade met May 5 for a public hearing on Senate Bill 557, which would require one of the nine members of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission to hold a cannabis license. Industry representatives told the committee the change would add needed operational expertise to the commission; OLCC staff argued it would undermine the commission’s independence and public trust.
Supporters told the committee that a commissioner with industry experience would help the OLCC make more informed, practical regulatory decisions. Amanda Metzler, owner of Bixby Farms, said the commission’s name itself implies cannabis expertise is appropriate: “After…
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