Staff reporter Penelope Overton and an experienced panel discusses one of Maine’s newest growth industries: medical marijuana. The panel explores what business opportunities exist in this market, how the caregiver network has evolved, proposed state legislation and rules that could transform the industry, and how the launch of Maine’s recreational market could impact patient access, demand and business opportunities.

On the panel:

Catherine Lewis, chair of the board, Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine

Patricia Rosi, CEO, Wellness Connection of Maine, the state’s largest group of medical marijuana dispensaries

Eric Brakey, Republican senator from District 20 (Auburn, New Gloucester, Poland, Minot and Mechanic Falls)

Peter Mourmouras, founder, The Tax Doctor, a tax and financial consulting practice

Detective Lt. Tim Cotton runs the Bangor, Maine Police Department’s Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/bangormainepolice/

In the span of three years, with a little help from the Duck of Justice, Tim Cotton has grown the department’s following from 10,000 to (almost) 275,000—more than eight times the population of Bangor. He's now the Criminal Investigations Commander within the department, but he still makes plenty of time for social media.

Tim Cotton was interviewed by Portland Press Herald reporter and social media editor, Jim Patrick as part of the newspaper's "Maine Voices Live" series.

President Donald Trump signed The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law on December 22. How will this affect Maine businesses? Hear from a panel of Southern Maine’s business community about the changes that they have seen thus far in 2018 and what they expect in the coming months. Are businesses changing their incorporation status? Will Maine lawmakers seek conformity between Maine’s corporate taxes and the new federal rates? Press Herald business reporter J. Craig Anderson moderated.

Panelists: 

Karla Brannen, CPA, Albin, Randall & Bennett
Justin Coffin, Financial Advisor, Rockland Financial Group at UBS Financial Services
Kris Eimicke, Partner, Pierce Atwood LLP