Maine has announced plans to establish a new division within the state Drug Enforcement Agency to monitor cannabis regulatory compliance and illicit market activity, according to a local WGME report.
Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck said the division will be made up of four people and will be funded by cannabis tax and licensing revenue, the news outlet reported.
The announcement has sparked controversy among cannabis advocates, who say regulators should be trying to help businesses comply with state regulations instead of prosecuting them, according to WGME.
However, Maine Rep. Kent Ackley says the division’s threat of prosecution and fines will force the state’s illicit cannabis market to shut down, which will cut down on competition for the legal market, the news outlet reported.