The Cannabis Policy Oversight Team (CPOT) provides the Bureau of Development Services with diverse stakeholder perspectives on cannabis-related public policies. The Body’s objective is to discuss and develop policies that support equitable access and outcomes for the cannabis industry, cannabis consumers, and all City of Portland residents.
Committee activities include: Advise Bureau of Development Services Cannabis Program and Bureau Director.
- Lend expertise on cannabis related issues such as:
- policy and regulations
- community outreach and education
- economic development.
- Research and author the Annual Cannabis Policy Report
Total number of advisory seats: 12
Number of seats available: 6
To Qualify
To be eligible for the advisory committee, members must live, play, worship, go to school, work or do business in the City of Portland.
What We Look For
We want people from every part of Portland to share their voice on this committee, especially people who have not been involved before. If you want to serve your community and to help government make better choices, then we want to see your application. The attributes listed below are what will guide our selection process. It is helpful if you are specific in your answers. We do not expect you to be or have everything listed.
What’s important to us:
- You believe in the value of public participation in government process
- You are an advocate for racial equity
- You are available to attend all meetings and participate in the discussions
- You have a deep understanding of the impacts and inequities resulting from cannabis / drug policy (past and present)
We’re looking for expertise or experience in one or more of the following areas:
- You, or someone close to you has been directly impacted by cannabis criminalization (i.e. medical cannabis patients, Veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals)
- You have community advocacy or social justice work experience
- You work with youth, or on issues specific to youth
- You have direct experience working in the City of Portland’s licensed cannabis industry
Time Commitment
- CPOT meetings are held monthly, every second Thursday from 6:00 – 7:30pm. Currently all CPOT meetings are being held virtually via Zoom.
- Members for this recruitment will be involved only for calendar year 2024, but may re-apply.
- Members are expected to prepare for meetings on their own time. Meeting materials for review may be sent with minimal time to review, possibly as few as forty-eight hours (or two days) in advance.
We Remove Barriers
Let us know if there are barriers to your participation.
Volunteer Ethics
People who join this committee will become what we call “Public Officials,” which means that while you serve you must behave fair and ethically. We will provide training on this once you are accepted. Part of following Public Officials Ethics laws means you must tell the group when you or a relative may financially benefit (or avoid fees) by your recommendations. This is called a “Conflict of Interest.” If you tell us about potential Conflicts of Interest that does not mean you cannot serve, in fact, many committees have potential members with Conflicts of Interest. We appreciate your ethical inclusion of possible Conflicts of Interest on the form included in the application.
The Recruitment Process
Applications are due by 11:59pm on Monday, January 15, 2024
To talk with someone about this opportunity or to receive assistance completing the application, please contact the advisory body staff liaison: Phil Keim, Cannabis Program Policy Coordinator. [email protected] 503-865-6997
Voluntary & Confidential Demographic Information
The City is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Completing the demographic information on the application is voluntary, but we encourage you to provide that information. The City uses this information to help ensure that advisory body appointments represent a broad cross-section of community. Your information will not be used during the recruitment nor the selection process. State and federal law prohibit use of this information to discriminate against you. Questions about this may be sent to [email protected]
General Questions
For general questions about the Advisory Bodies program, the volunteer recruitment process, or other upcoming advisory body opportunities please email [email protected].
We Encourage You to Apply
We welcome you to browse our website to learn more about the bureau at https://www.portland.gov/civic/cannabis
Additional Information
Meeting Location
Currently, many advisory bodies are meeting remotely due to COVID-19. In the future, meetings could: 1) be conducted fully remotely, or 2) be conducted remotely and in person (hybrid model). As the situation evolves, the exact meeting location may change based upon leadership direction and approval.
