Connecticut Makes History with Nation’s First Cannabis Ombudsperson
On Monday, Connecticut took a major step in the world of legal weed by appointing Erin Gorman Kirk as the nation’s first cannabis ombudsperson. This new position will serve as an official advocate for medical marijuana patients in the state.
Gorman Kirk, a lawyer, entrepreneur, and experienced consumer advocate, is no stranger to the world of cannabis. As a medical marijuana patient herself, she has been instrumental in shaping cannabis and hemp policy not only in Connecticut, but in several other states as well. Her personal experience with using cannabis, both for herself and for others she has helped, inspired her to apply for the position of cannabis ombudsperson, which was created by the Connecticut General Assembly last year.
Office of the Cannabis Ombudsman Created to Protect Patients and Monitor Industry
The state of Connecticut has created the Office of the Cannabis Ombudsman to oversee the use of medical marijuana and regulate the medical cannabis industry. This office will also act as an advocate for patients and caregivers. Gorman Kirk will operate with administrative support from the state Office of the Healthcare Advocate.
As the new cannabis ombudsperson, Gorman Kirk has made it clear that she will be a vigilant guardian of patient interests. She plans to ensure that all decisions and actions taken by producers align with the highest standards of care and compassion. “We will not only monitor, but actively engage with all stakeholders to improve the palliative marijuana market, making Connecticut a model state for patient advocacy in the cannabis sector,” she told CTInsider.
Chosen from a Pool of Over 800 Applicants
Gorman Kirk was selected for the position from a pool of more than 800 applicants. While she has been actively involved in developing cannabis policy, she emphasized that her main focus has always been advocating for patients and consumers, not business interests.
“I am not a lobbyist. Never have been. I’m an advocate,” Gorman Kirk stated in a recent interview with online news source CTNewsJunkie. “I do probably 750 to 1,000 hours of pro-bono work a year. I’m the only lawyer in the country who did every application on a pro-bono basis for social equity candidates. That’s how much I care about people and patients.”
Prioritizing Patient Safety and Well-Being
Gorman Kirk is well aware of the potential risks that consumers and patients face when using cannabis. She shared a personal experience where she noticed adverse effects after using cannabis grown in Connecticut. After stopping use, her symptoms improved.
“Someone said to me, ‘oh, there’s a lot of mold in it.’ So I started to do some research,” she explained. “I went to some of the people that I help with recommendations and caregiving, one of whom is a 95-year-old Parkinson’s patient, who’s a Korean War veteran, and asked them how they were feeling. Everyone was feeling poorly. And I became concerned when I realized these mold levels and remediation levels, of which we have not been apprised, something was going on that was different from what you get at a farm.”
Connecticut Leading the Way in Cannabis Legalization
Connecticut first legalized the medical use of marijuana in 2012, followed by the recent legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2021. With recreational weed now available, the state is taking steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its patients and consumers. With Gorman Kirk as the nation’s first cannabis ombudsperson, Connecticut is setting an example for other states to follow in terms of patient advocacy and protection in the cannabis industry.
