Connecticut may establish a Cannabis Ombudsman position for the state’s medical cannabis program, which would be an independent liaison between patients and the state to address concerns about the program.
A bill proposed in Connecticut would create the position of Cannabis Ombudsman – an independent person that would serve as a liaison between medical cannabis patients and the state to address concerns, NBC Connecticut reports. The move comes about a month after adult-use cannabis sales commenced in the state which has caused complaints among registered patients of reduced choices for medical cannabis products.
House Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D), who sponsored the legislation, said the measure would improve quality and safety for medical cannabis patients.
In a statement, Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle Seagull said the agency is “aware some patients have expressed concerns regarding the availability of certain products following the opening of the adult-use market and the increase in the allotment for medical marijuana patients to five ounces per month.”
Medical Cannabis Patient Advocate Lou Rinaldi told NBC Connecticut that oversight in the state “so far has largely not been in service to patients.”
“They do not have a voice in the program,” he said.
The proposal is currently in the Connecticut– House and Senate committees on General Law. (Full Story)