Oregon’s Secretary of State resigns for consulting a marijuana dispensary during a state audit, earning $10K per month.

John RigolizzoMay 2, 2023

Oregon Secretary of State Resigns After Consulting for Cannabis Company Under Audit

Shemia Fagan, a Democrat and Oregon Secretary of State, has resigned from her post after it was revealed that she was receiving $10,000 a month in consulting fees from La Mota, one of the state’s largest marijuana dispensaries. The franchise and the cannabis industry were under audit by the Oregon Department of Revenue and the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, which is overseen by Fagan. The owners of the chain were also significant donors to her campaign, and other Democrats statewide. Fagan confirmed that she had accepted a consulting contract with La Mota, which is in significant legal trouble, with more than $7 million in liens filed against the owners for unpaid taxes.

Resignation and Ethics Investigation

Fagan announced her resignation in a press release, effective May 8, stating that her actions had become a distraction from the important work of the Secretary of State’s office. She also said that she was confident that the ethics investigation would show that she followed the state’s legal and ethical guidelines in trying to make ends meet for her family.

Deputy Secretary to Fill Post

Deputy Secretary Cheryl Myers will fill the post until Governor Tina Kotek appoints a replacement. Fagan’s resignation comes just two months after several of her subordinates on the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission were also found to have used their power for personal gain.