Rumors continue to swirl around the Marijuana Policy Project, the embattled Washington, DC-based reform group that has been beset with staff and board defections over executive director Rob Kampia's inappropriate conduct.

This what we're hearing from a number of anonymous sources:

Rumor #1: The MPP's chief financial backer and board chairman Peter Lewis (left) has quit the organization. Lewis funded the MPP to the tune of $40 million over the last decade. His wealth stems from years as the head of Progressive Insurance.

Rumor #2: Lewis has convened a blue-ribbon panel of experts, including Ira Glasser, Steph Sherer and former Nebraska governor and current president of the New School for Social Research in New York, Bob Kerrey - to further his goal of legalizing marijuana.

Rumor #3: Current MPP staffers are being offered buyouts. So far four employees have accepted the offer.

Rumor #4: The Chronicle of Philanthropy is currently researching a scathing report about the MPP's implosion over the last nine months, dating back to Kampia's sexual encounter with a staffer in August.

Rumor: #5: An MPP staffer claims Kampia was overheard saying something offensive at the THC Expose in April in Los Angeles shortly after he returned from his three-month suspension.

Update: Lewis Out as Head of MPP

Also see:
MPP Scandal Rocks Marijuana World
Rob Kampia Reinstated by MPP
Aaron Houston Leaves MPP
MPP Suspends Kampia
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