NEW STORES HAVE GENERATED
$ 27 MILLION
IN ADDITIONAL STATE REVENUE
The OLCC has expanded from 230 to 328 employees in the past four years . tion on the market and also allow all potential liquor agents to compete against one another for specific locations ,” explains Steven Marks , Executive Director of the OLCC . “ We specifically looked for diverse and innovative proposals and considered a variety of models .”
All expansion proposals meeting minimum qualifications were reviewed directly by the commission , ensuring that a legitimate public process was in place for making decisions . As a result , 23 additional agent stores have opened across the state , with eight more stores currently appointed but not yet operational . Combined , the new stores have generated $ 27 million in additional state revenue . The OLCC plans to continue operating with this model moving forward , and will initiate statewide open recruitment application periods twice per year . The agency also plans to develop new incentives for retailers to help encourage additional expansion .
REGULATING THE MARIJUANA MARKET So much of the explosive growth the agency has experienced during the past several years can be attributed to the state ’ s legalization of recreational cannabis . In 2014 , Oregon Ballot Measure 91 legalized the recreational use of marijuana . The law went into effect on July 1 , 2015 , and the OLCC was tasked with regulating the new industry , which included the adoption of rules , licensing and compliance .
It took a year for the agency to prepare before it began accepting applications for producers , processors , wholesalers , laboratories and retailers . During that time , the OLCC worked to develop an online licensing system , conducted research with various groups and held town hall meetings to listen to people ’ s ideas and concerns . Commissioners and members of OLCC staff also visited and conferred with Colorado ’ s Department of Revenue , which has regulated its state ’ s recreational marijuana program since 2012 .
“ We developed the rules and regulations based on a year of listening ,” says Marvin D . Révoal , Commissioner at the OLCC . “ Our primary goal was to place education first and foremost in the regulatory process , just like we do with alcohol . We knew we faced a challenge in having to educate people on how to operate as businesses . Many marijuana providers were previously working on the illegal market and had no idea what was required of them .”
In addition to rules and regulations , this emerging in-
StateWays | www . stateways . com | September / October 2018 9