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October 22, 2020 Commission Greenlights Solution for Streamlining License ApplicationsAdvocates for additional resourcesCommission supports “fix-it ticket” approach for minor compliance violationsMarijuana license stipulated settlements approvedPortland, OR — At its regular monthly meeting on October 15, 2020, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission moved forward with plans to streamline the agency’s recreational marijuana licensing process and adjust compliance and enforcement activity through a Verification of Compliance (VOC) program. The Commission also approved five marijuana violation stipulated settlement agreements. OLCC has been challenged to timely issue marijuana licenses since April 2016, due to the continued interest in the recreational market. Personnel and technology support have not kept pace with license applications that quickly shot past the initial projection of 800 licenses and now number more than 2,300. As the industry has matured, the agency’s ability to regulate it has evolved and the OLCC has modified its licensing process several times in an attempt to streamline. This latest licensing process adjustment attempts to make it easier for applicants to begin operating before the final approval of changes in ownership and financial interest changes in a licensed business. Likening the existing license process to a freeway that squeezes from 10 lanes down to two, the Chair of the Commission cautioned that efficiencies made through continuous adjustments to the licensing process would not be enough to address the long term licensing challenge. “We’re not kidding ourselves, if we don’t get the manpower, the back end is going to be two lanes regardless of the ten lanes up front,” said Paul Rosenbaum, OLCC Chair. “If we don’t get the budget, we’re not going to solve this issue.” For now, this licensing catch-up attempt will be similar to past efforts where staff were reallocated to the licensing division. Under this push to catchup, 16 OLCC staff members will be temporarily reassigned to licensing. In addition to approving a temporary rule allowing the license process change, the Commission also initiated the permanent rulemaking process, which will expand the scope of the streamlining, as well as provide an opportunity for industry input. The Commission also initiated the permanent rule making process for the new Verification of Compliance (VOC) program. The VOC program, which launched October 1, 2020, provides licensees with an opportunity to fix problems and avoid more severe penalties. See Recreational Marijuana Program Compliance Education Bulletin 2020-05 for more information on the Verification of Compliance program. The Commission also ratified the following violation fines and suspensions based on stipulated settlements (detailed information on specific cases can be found hereon the OLCC website): GREENRIDGE AGRONOMY will serve a 65-day recreational marijuana producer license suspension OR pay a fine of $5,775 AND serve a 30-day license suspensionfor six violations. Licensee is: GreenRidge Agronomy, LLC; Stanley Tamiyasu, Member; Brandon Pierson, Member. HEALING GREEN DISPENSARY in Independence will surrender its marijuana retailer license suspension for two violations. Licensees are: Healing Green, LLC; Michael Hecht, Member. KAYA FARMS (#A8DF) will surrender its recreational marijuana processor license suspension for two violations. Licensees are: Sunstone Marketing Partners, LLC; Robert Frey, Member/Manager. KAYA FARMS (#035C) will surrender its recreational marijuana producer license suspension for three violations. Licensees are: Sunstone Marketing Partners, LLC; Robert Frey, Member/Manager. UPMQUA GREEN CROSS in Roseburg will surrender its recreational marijuana retailer license suspension for seven violations. Licensees are: Umpqua Green Cross, LLC; Edward Allen, Member. |
