BEND, OR -- The Oregon Liquor Control Commission is touring the state this summer, holding listening sessions with those involved in the wine and marijuana industries. Mark Pettinger, with the OLCC, says they kick off the series in Bend on Tuesday, with a marijuana session, "Several of our commissioners are newly appointed and are just getting acquainted with the issues related to their roles on the Commission. And, since the legislative session is over, this provides a good opportunity for them to learn firsthand from the individuals who we are regulating."

One newly appointed member is local; Hugh Palcic, General Manager of the Sunriver Owners Association, is one of three Commissioners expected to attend the Bend event. "We’ll provide a short overview of legislation that passed in the 2019 session that affects the industry, and what those implications are, and also give an update on where the marijuana program is; but that’s going to be very brief," Pettinger tells KBND News, "Really, the Commissioners are there to listen to those in the industry and other stakeholders, and to gain an understanding of what direction they would like to see the program head." He says they want to talk about big issues facing the cannabis industry, "The moratorium on producer licenses; and also, there was a key piece of legislation that was passed that would enable the Executive Branch, the Governor’s Office, to enter into an interstate compact with other states if and when the federal government makes it legal for interstate trade of cannabis to take place."

Tuesday's listening session is from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Riverhouse. Preregistration is encouraged but not required.