Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission Executive Director Patrick Jameson, right, introduces the commission’s new chairman, Brian Lopez, at a meeting of the panel Aug. 14 in Bel Air, Md. (Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post)

Maryland has lost its second top medical marijuana regulator in two years — just weeks before legal sales are expected to commence.

Patrick Jameson, executive director of the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, has resigned, a spokesman for Gov. Larry Hogan (R) said. Jameson said it was time to pursue other interests. His last day is Nov. 30.

Jameson, a former state trooper, oversaw the agency as it awarded licenses to medical marijuana growers, processors and dispensaries.

"It has been an honor to help sick people and launch a new lucrative industry in Maryland," he said in a statement.

Maryland legalized marijuana for medical use in 2013, but the program's rollout has been beset by delays and controversies. Companies began growing the drug over the summer, and products are expected to be available for purchase early next year.