Oregon Secretary of State's Ties to Cannabis Industry Raise Ethics Concerns During Audit.

Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan, who oversees the state's Audits Division, has been working as a paid consultant for Veriede Holding LLC, an affiliate of the troubled cannabis dispensary chain La Mota, since February. Fagan did not seek written advice from the Oregon Government Ethics Commission regarding potential conflicts of interest, nor did she disclose her outside income on her annual economic statements. Fagan's actions have raised concerns about conflicts of interest and ethical standards, particularly given her role overseeing state agencies.