The losing bidder wants the state to hold off on awarding a consulting contract, claiming the winner has a conflict of interest.
Penelope Overton
Staff Writer
Penny Overton is excited to be the Portland Press Herald’s first climate reporter. Since joining the paper in 2016, she has written about Maine’s lobster and cannabis industries, covered state politics and spent a fellowship year exploring the impact of climate change on the lobster fishery with the Boston Globe’s Spotlight team. Before moving to Maine, she has covered politics, environment, casino gambling and tribal issues in Florida, Connecticut, and Arizona. Her favorite assignments allow her to introduce readers to unusual people, cultures, or subjects. When off the clock, Penny is usually getting lost in a new book at a local coffeehouse, watching foreign crime shows or planning her family’s next adventure.
Posted inBusiness, Maine
State backs out of second cannabis contract
A deal with a Florida company to provide seed-to-sale tracking has been set aside and will be rebid.
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Posted inBusiness, Maine
Firm that launched Colorado’s legal cannabis market wins Maine contract
In its second solicitation for a consultant to guide the state’s oversight of recreational marijuana, regulators pick Freedman & Koski, which challenged a previous award to a competitor.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
State official apologizes as chaos reigns over sales of CBD products
The regulator says one inspector’s order to remove the hemp-derived products from stores was misguided and merchants should have been told to review federal law and seek legal counsel if they had questions.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, Politics
Legislative committee endorses bill to allow sale of CBD edibles in Maine
Supporters say L.D. 630 is the fastest way to reopen the lucrative CBD market, which was all but shut down by a state order last month.
Posted inBusiness, Maine
Medical marijuana dispensary sales in Maine drop for 2nd year in a row
Unregulated competition is forcing dispensaries to cut prices, which drives annual sales down even more.
Posted inBusiness, News
Lobstermen differ sharply on bill that would speed up the long wait for licenses
At a legislative hearing in Augusta, some decry the years many are forced to wait, while others point to overcrowded waters.
Posted inBusiness, Politics
Protesters rally at State House as lawmakers seek solution to ban on CBD products
More than 100 people turn out to protest the state’s removal order, and Democratic Rep. Craig Hickman of Winthrop introduces a bill to legalize sales of cannabidiol in Maine.
Posted inBusiness
Maine lobster orders tank as Chinese turn to tariff-free Canada
What had been one of the busiest times of the year is a reminder of the devastating impact of the U.S.-China trade war and of the need to refocus on domestic Chinatowns and new Asian markets.
Posted inBusiness, News
State orders stores to remove edibles with CBD from their shelves
The Department of Health and Human Services says the hemp-derived product is not a federally approved food additive.