The Cannabis Control Bureau is one of many interested state actors in California’s newly legalized cannabis industry. Others include the departments of Public Health, Food and Agriculture, several tax agencies and the Cannabis Advisory Committee.
Techwire talked with Lori Ajax, who heads the Cannabis Control Bureau, about what is next after being involved in every step of the implementation of the industry’s new business licensing software.
Techwire: What’s next for the Cannabis Control Bureau?
Lori Ajax: Final rulemaking, because we have a year from the date we notice our emergency regulations to get those final rules in place. The good thing is, during this time we’re looking to see how our licensing program is working for our licensees, where we need to change things, what we can improve on. So that’s what we’re doing over the next few months, focusing on improving our IT system, our licensing program, to see where there’s some inefficiency and where we can clear up confusion.
TW: What is the plan for all the data being collected? Is the bureau hoping to do anything with it?
LA: Over the next several months, we will continue to make enhancements to our online licensing system. These enhancements will increase the bureau’s ability to use data analysis to make our program more efficient and successful for California. The bureau will also continue to look for ways to increase the amount of data available to the public in user friendly formats.
TW: Any management hires in the bureau’s future?
LA: The Bureau is continuing to hire for positions to staff our licensing, enforcement, and administrative units. These positions include managers of different levels.
TW: What do you enjoy about working for state government and what do you like least?
LA: I’ve thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity and privilege to serve the people through state service.
TW: Other than technology or government, what is your dream job?
LA: I always thought it’d be fun to be a baseball scout. I’ve been around baseball ever since I was young, and I’ve always loved the atmosphere and joy that came with watching it.
TW: What are you reading right now?
LA: Well, the regulations.
And because I refuse to watch the movie before I read the book, The Girl on the Train. And I’m a huge baseball fan; spring training is starting soon, and I got a book for Christmas on all the stadiums, so I have that out that I peruse. I’ve got a book that someone passed on, on cannabis. I think it’s the History of Cannabis.
