Maine’s legislature will consider a bill proposed by Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross (D-Portland) that would help former convicts and “disinvested” individuals start cannabis businesses.
The bill would “encourage eligible individuals to apply for registration under the Maine Medical Use of Cannabis Act or for licensure under the Cannabis Legalization Act and to provide related direct support services to those individuals,” said Speaker Talbot Ross’.
Talbot Ross’ LD 1517, An Act to Create Equity in the State’s Cannabis Industry specifically seeks to aid criminals in the name of equity, applying to anyone, with few exceptions, who was incarcerated for Marijuana related crimes, whether in Maine or elsewhere.
The bill would also give aid to anyone who is a member of a “historically disinvested community,” without defining what constitutes a “historically disinvested community.”
“The applicant is a member of a historically disinvested community, as determined based on criteria established by the authority,” said Talbot Ross’ bill.
The bill does not specify who “the authority” is.
Finally, the bill would apply to anyone with four years of experience in Maine’s medical cannabis industry who made under $300,000 in the previous calendar year.
The aid would come via a new Cannabis Business Equity Fund, which would appropriate $2,000,000.
Talbot Ross’ bill is a carry-over from the last session of Maine’s legislature and will be considered alongside other carry-over bills when the legislature reconvenes in January.
LD 1517 will be considered alongside Sen. Joe Baldacci’s (D-Penobscot) bill which would entirely remove marijuana from Maine’s criminal code.
Talbot Ross’ bill, aiding former criminals in establishing cannabis businesses, comes as Maine struggles to clamp down on the hundreds of Illegal Chinese cannabis grows discovered throughout the state.
Maine’s very own Marxist “Squad” leader….and for any Leftists reading this, it’s NOT a badge of honor.
The LL Bean shoplifter and verbally abusive to employees of parking garages strikes again!
Now that the Chinese nationals, growing copious quantities of illegal pot, could have a criminal history, perhaps they will be recipients of Ms. Talbot Ross’ bill to aid with reparations for inequitable injustice from the 19th century in our country. Somebody wake me from this la la land nightmare please.
…why bother wasting Legislative time! Former convicts and divested individuals are already enjoying the fruits of Democrats labor…the ruination of Maine and America! Over 200 illegal Chinese grows will sign up and get a cut of the $2mil and a pat in the back!
This is the second dumbest idea ever. The first was decriminalizing home invasions by the “unhoused.”
The stupidity deepens every day.
Maine is a state that needs to help it’s residents, but the Democrats only care about criminals and illegals.
Maine is doomed to be another American 3D world sh-hole.
This woman is a complete raving idiot whose existence is out on the lunatic fringe, she needs to be voted out of office at the next election.
In order to succeed in the marijuana industry in a more and more competitive environment, a high quality resume with attention to detail, a hard work ethic, and a proven history of putting ion 70-80 hour work weeks should be a must, or else you WILL fail.
It takes way more than 40 hours of work a week (way more) to have a fart’s prayer in the wind in the cannabis industry, and anyone who doesn’t have a PROVEN work history of dedication, overtime, with 5 verifiable references shouldn’t be considered.
You can’t even get a job walking dogs with mush less. C’mon folks, Get realistic.
Yeah, they won’t break any laws. You’ll be able to do one shop for everything.Camp right there too.
Madness in this one.
Can we please get vote up or down boxes on the comments? Thanks if so.
I was wondering when she would show her true colors…She loves FELONS. Witnessed her antics inside the walls of the MDOC, they were EPIC. I always asked, Why does she get all the Special Visits with these men? Never saw her in the Women’s Center advocating for them. She always got her way, and shall I say had her way if you know what I mean. I think she was using her lawyer powers?