Rules Committee forwards three appointees to cannabis legalization task force; hears wide applicant pool

The Rules Committee on Jan. 14 considered 20 applicants for three seats on a Cannabis State Legalization Task Force (terms ending 08/31/2016). Chair John Avalos set two-minute opening remarks for applicants and said the committee would consider applicant questions and endorsements.

Applicants who presented included Janet Griggs (small-business/catering background), David Hua (CEO of Meadow, technology and organized the California Cannabis Delivery Association), Michael Nolan (retail/operator experience), Thea Selby (neighborhood merchant and small-business advocate) and Jennifer Garcia (United Food and Commercial Workers Local 648, labor representative focused on worker protections). Public endorsements were offered for Thea Selby by neighborhood leaders and business groups.

After supervisors discussed the need for balance among industry, small-business and neighborhood perspectives, a motion was made and approved to appoint Duncan Lay to seat 13, Thea Selby to seat 14, and Jennifer Garcia to seat 20, forwarding those names to the full Board with a positive recommendation; the committee approved the motion without objection. Jennifer Garcia—s appointment will require a residency waiver. The committee recessed after completing this item.

Speakers emphasized worker protections, small-business inclusion, public-safety concerns about the black market and the need to allocate future tax revenue thoughtfully. David Hua said his firm Meadow focuses on technology to help compliance and noted involvement in state-level license-type work. Jennifer Garcia urged labor representation and cautioned against driving commerce back underground; she referenced disparities affecting retail workers and said unions can help improve wages and standards.