Onerous state regulations like expensive security requirements and high fines for seemingly minor violations hamstring Oregon’s struggling marijuana industry, according to a new audit released Friday by Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan, who recused herself from the review because she has a side job with a cannabis company.
The audit gives short shrift to illicit market forces in a state long known as an exporter of marijuana and drew pushback from officials at the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, which regulates the industry.
