COLUMBUS – The man who has led the state agency that oversees liquor sales for the last six years will take over the reins of the new Division of Cannabis Control at the beginning of 2024.
Commerce director Sherry Maxfield Thursday today announced the appointment of James Canepa as the first Superintendent of division, which will ensure safety and regulation of both medical and non-medical cannabis, which is now legal as a result of the passage of Issue 2 in November.
Canepa has served as the Superintendent of the Division of Liquor Control for the past six years, during which time the Department of Commerce modernized the state’s liquor inventory control system and introduced retail innovations such as barrel programs and bottle lotteries.
In recent weeks, Canepa has been advising the Medical Marijuana Control Program on rulemaking options related to Issue 2.
A former Franklin County senior trial prosecutor, Canepa has also served in the Attorney General’s office, the Department of Public Safety, the Office of the Ohio Inspector General and with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
His new duties begin on January 1.