Chair of the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Anne McLellan and Vice Chair Mark Ware hold a press conference in Ottawa on Tuesday, December 13, 2016, to discuss the report on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation. iPolitics/Matthew Usherwood

A main figure on the Liberal government’s consulting ‘task force’ that recommended how to legalize recreational cannabis is moving to Canada’s biggest marijuana company.

Canopy Growth Corp. announced Monday morning that Dr. Mark Ware is joining its senior ranks as its new chief medical officer.

Ware was vice chair of the federal Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation, which was set up in 2016 to consult on how the Liberal government should create a legal framework for recreational cannabis use.

Ware, well-known internationally for his research on medical cannabis and pain, has also advised the federal government since the early 2000s on medical cannabis policy.

Ware will take a leave of absence from McGill University, where he is an associate professor in the departments of family medicine and anesthesia. He starts in his new role at Canopy on June 1.

A news release from the company said Ware will head their global clinical research strategy, assist with medical education and help the company build a “world-class medical division centred around its global medical business.”

Ware appeared before the Senate social affairs committee earlier this month alongside the chair of the task force, Anne McLellan, where they defended against calls to restrict home growing and to delay legalization.

The committee is going clause-by-clause through Bill C-45 today, after which senators will vote on whether to amend the bill.

The Senate is expected to vote on the bill at third reading on or before Thursday next week.

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