Los Angeles County’s cannabis regulation efforts have entered an important new phase with the convening of a diverse advisory group made up of health and policy experts, community leaders, cannabis industry representatives and other key stakeholders.

The group will meet eight times between June 29 and August 31 to develop recommendations for the County as it formulates regulations for commercial and personal-use cannabis in unincorporated areas. These meetings are part of an extensive and inclusive planning process that will also include a series of upcoming meetings to gather public input.

Topics to be discussed by the advisory working group include youth access and exposure to cannabis, taxation and revenue, operational standards for cannabis businesses, and the cultivation of cannabis for personal use, among others.

The all-volunteer group is being convened by the Los Angeles County Office of Cannabis Management, part of the County’s Chief Executive Office, and includes members recommended by the office of each L.A. County Supervisor, as well as at-large members.

The advisory team includes college professors, a cannabis attorney, a local mayor, a neighborhood council member and cannabis industry representatives, along with a variety of drug policy experts. A list of working group members and meeting dates is here.

The working group’s recommendations are expected to provide guidance to County policymakers, and may be helpful to cities and other counties throughout California who are currently studying best practices for cannabis regulation.

In November, California voters approved Proposition 64, which legalized the possession, cultivation, and sale by adults of cannabis for recreational purposes.

The Office of Cannabis Management is coordinating with County departments and the public to formulate recommendations that will be presented to the Board of Supervisors.