2023 Cannabis Industry Power Players

Vikiana Clement is a New York Times Scholar, a Barnard-Columbia and NYU graduate and a NSF research grant recipient. She is founder of the Legacy CORE foundation and executive director of the former MEC Cannabis Education Task Force. Currently, Vikiana serves as the cannabis research grant program coordinator for the Chemistry and Environmental Science department at Medgar Evers College, where new Cannabis degree programs and supporting initiatives, expecting approval by the Fall 2023 semester, have recently been developed.

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it? 
Unfortunately, there is still not enough education about cannabis to remove the overall stigma of the plant in any aspect. The first thing in overcoming a challenge is to be the change you want to see. And how I’ve done that is to align myself with a team of amazing professionals, scientists, faculty, industry leaders, small businesses, and legacy constituents sharing the vision to provide education and opportunities to our constituents.

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use? 
Although there are institutions working on pushing the frontier on research and cannabis, there are still many scientific unknowns and a conglomerate of unanswered questions regarding cannabis science. As such, the developed and existing cannabis industry in the United States should partner with academic institutions to expand the research initiatives lacking in the Western world and cannabis science. This is one way the Medgar Evers College Chemistry and Environmental Science Department is contributing not only to education but to the broadening of research initiatives around this plant.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now? 
It is my hope that the State of New York will provide avenues for small businesses, in the formal and informal economy, to transition into a sustainable regulated cannabis market. In doing so, New York would not only provide customers with amazing assortments of high-quality products but also would serve other states as an example of what competitive non-monopolized business models look like in the cannabis industry.

New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney represents parts of the city of Rochester and the Finger Lakes Region. He was named co-chair of the Marijuana Task Force for the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus and was instrumental in passing landmark legislation to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana. Senator Cooney has introduced legislation centered on ensuring equity in the new cannabis marketplace.

Shannon Crow is the go-to executive coach for cannabis professionals. Her clients benefit from her experience in tech, finance, and agricultural startups. In 2014 she co-founded Aquasprouts, and was featured in the New York Times, Business Insider, and Wired.  Shannon operated cultivation facilities in Colorado, California, and is a Cornell Leadership in Agriculture Fellow. Outside of coaching, she consults extensively, and serves on the board for three cannabis companies in Alabama, Texas, and New Jersey. 

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
The stigma goes beyond the shadow of prohibition. As we go commercial-scale, many cannabis professionals have skill gaps. People with deep plant experience can lack the professional skills to scale legal businesses, and professionals who are transitioning into cannabis lack experience with the plant. This, among other factors, contributes to awkward “teenage years” as our labor pool and industry evolves – which is totally normal. However, it’s an often misunderstood aspect of the cannabis industry. 

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
Data-backed research that is translated into easy-to-understand education. Removing the federal ban on cannabis will allow an easier flow of funding for research used to support the creation of medically sound information. There’s a lot of oral history and superstition currently in the industry I’d like to see go away. In particular I find the use of hundreds of strain names, as opposed to chemovars, particularly harmful for consumers looking to make informed consumption decisions. 

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
I don’t have a crystal ball, but I can tell you what I’d like to see. I will know we “made it” when cannabis is part of treatment plans in highly-compliant applications, such as workers comp cases. When cannabis use is considered as normal as physical therapy or a prescription regimen within the medical ecosystem, we’ll have attained a level of professional rigor and social acceptance as an industry I look forward to. 

Catalina Cruz represents the 39th Assembly District which encompasses the neighborhoods of Corona, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and parts of Maspeth and Middle Village in Queens. She currently serves as the chair of State-Federal Relations and has been a staunch advocate of legalizing cannabis. She is a graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the CUNY School of Law, and is admitted to practice law in the State of New York.

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
The stigma has been longstanding and is related to our society’s ideas around who uses cannabis. Organizations like Cultivated Community conduct educational workshops that set out to provide basic information about cannabis, the industry and so much more! It is education that will ultimately help us dismantle antiquated notices of who uses and who works in the cannabis industry.

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
The industry should be looking to support educational efforts conducted by not for profits and health care entities, as well as creating their own outreach material that is age and culturally appropriate. They should be looking to use tools like social media to reach wider audiences. Explaining the basics of what cannabis is, how it impacts your body, how to safely use it, how to enter the industry, etc. 

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
Setting up a business goes beyond licensing and is often a costly endeavor. Many folks resort to loans but because cannabis is currently illegal at the federal level, most banks do not provide loans for this type of business. I am hoping to see the federal government legalize cannabis so that banks can finally issue these types of loans and more people from our community can enter the industry.

Dasheeda Dawson currently serves as the founding director of Cannabis NYC, the New York City Department of Small Business Services’ initiative to support the growing cannabis industry. Dawson is a global cannabis advocate, award-winning Fortune 100 business strategist, and a bestselling author on the cannabis industry. Her advocacy and thought leadership have also been featured across multiple outlets. Dawson has nearly 20 years of business development, strategic management, and brand marketing excellence while leading transformative organizations in both the public and private sectors.

Amy is the co-founder of the Cannabis Media Council, a trade organization on a mission to deprogram the war on plants by ending the mainstream media moratorium on cannabis advertising. Amy also co-founded Pheno, an omni-channel ad agency for cannabinoid brands, businesses, and revolutions. She is the fractional CMO for House of Puff and serves as a marketing strategist for edge industries. In a prior leadership role, Amy led marketing and sales for Curaleaf. 

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
I experience curiosity more than anything else. Overcoming stigma is all about being real: as fully human and honest as possible. Humor helps too. At the Cannabis Media Council, our inaugural campaign “I’m High Right Now” uplifts real-life reasons elders consume and aims to playfully reclaim language that has been weaponized against cannabis consumers for decades in order to expand the meaning of, for example, “high” to also include full-spectrum joy and engagement with life.

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
First, we need to collectively advocate for the cannabis plant and products to be descheduled from a Schedule I Controlled Substance – meaning a drug with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse – so that we can enable more academic and clinical research. Scientific peer-reviewed trials, studies, and reports help correct for bias and will become a much needed source of truth for the industry and consumers.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
New York City, along with the entire Empire State, is a global leader in the cannabis industry and will continue to become a destination for unique appellations and cultivars, and, of course, inspiring experiences and travels. As a market maker, I am focused on building dynamic, sustainable local cannabis communities as well as bridging legal cannabis into existing and synergistic scenes, including New York’s art, fashion, culinary, music communities, and more.

John R. Durso is the president of Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW, representing over 13,000 workers statewide. He serves as the president of the Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO. John is a member of several different boards, including the Nassau Community College Board of Trustees, the Board for the NCC Foundation, and as Chair of the EAC Network. He is proudest of Local 338’s charity work, including continued support of John Theissen Children’s Foundation.

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
While there is still stigma, it is improving, and the unionization of workers in the cannabis industry is helping to further legitimize it. The workers across New York’s cannabis industry are passionate about the work they do, the communities they serve, and are highly skilled and knowledgeable. We’re working to make sure that those employed in cannabis and the quality career opportunities available are front and center in conversations as the industry continues to develop.

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
One of the most valuable tools we have are the workers who are building New York’s cannabis industry. We already have hundreds of workers statewide who regularly interact with the plant, along with those enrolled in the medical program, who know what works best and can effectively communicate to consumers. By boosting their voices, we’re helping people who are new to cannabis use it effectively and support well-educated consumers find the products they like best.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
In 10 years, New York is going to have a strong, unionized cannabis industry. We are helping to build an industry that’s heavily focused on workforce development and education, giving the unionized workers who run it an opportunity to turn these jobs into careers. We’re building on what we’ve already built in New York’s cannabis industry since the plant was first legalized for medical use in 2013 and look forward to seeing the industry grow.

Khari has spent over 25 years in public and government service with a focus on strengthening communities by advocating and addressing racial, health and civic disparities. As the head of corporate relations, he provides strategic leadership in creating a culture of inclusion. AYR Wellness is committed to provide avenues of opportunity in the cannabis industry and his role is to create the road map as well as build strong pillars to achieve that goal.

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
Although progress is being made, there are still plenty of preexisting stigmas and misconceptions swirling around about the industry and cannabis in general. A really crucial part of overcoming this as a professional in the space is being willing to educate others and remaining knowledgeable about new research, policy and changes in the sector. 

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
Cannabis operators need to not only prioritize education initiatives but be willing to collaborate with community leaders, including within the healthcare and academia institutions. Individuals from these sectors invoke trust from community members and provide a sense of legitimacy to the cannabis industry. It’s important these groups coordinate together to carry out accessible and hands-on educational programming that addresses misconceptions and promotes responsible cannabis use and business operations. 

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
The cannabis industry in New York is positioned to be the most opportunistic and restorative markets in the country. If all goes as planned, 10 years from now we’ll have thriving and accessible adult-use and medical cannabis programs that have created generational wealth and opportunity in the communities disenfranchised by the War on Drugs. 

Steven Epstein is a founding partner at Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP. Mr. Epstein has more than 30 years of experience in the field of criminal defense and is a nationally recognized and much sought-after lecturer at continuing legal education seminars for other attorneys. Mr. Epstein is president-elect of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and was awarded the President’s Award by the organization in 2021 for outstanding service.

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
Yes. It takes a society time to adjust to changes in values. This was experienced in a similar way with the passage of the 21st Amendment and the end of the prohibition era. I have found that the key to managing this is through educating the public.

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
Education should be broad based and reach a wide audience. Social media tools can be very effective in meeting this objective.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
There will be an increase in public acceptance and an integration of the industry into main-stream commerce.

Denise Faltischek is chief strategy officer and head of international business at Tilray Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY; TSX: TLRY).  As chief strategy officer, she is responsible for the development and implementation of Tilray’s overall corporate strategy, partnerships, strategic investments and acquisitions. As the Head of International, Ms. Faltischek oversees Tilray’s international businesses.

Do you think there is a stigma around working in the cannabis industry and if so how do you work to overcome it?
I think people are excited about the growth and potential of the cannabis industry and we’re seeing more people join our industry from traditional consumer product goods companies.

How can the cannabis industry work with health care and academic professionals to educate consumers about the benefits and risks of cannabis use?
At Tilray Brands, cannabis education is an integral part of our business.  We work with and develop cannabis education programs for health care professionals, academic professionals, regulators, budtenders and consumers, in addition to partnering with hospitals on scientific research and clinical trials.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York 10 years from now?
I hope to see a thriving medical and adult-use cannabis industry in place in New York within the next 10 years rooted in social equity and responsible cannabis legislation.