Emily Whalen is an attorney at the Albany lobbying firm Brown & Weinraub Advisors, LLC, where she chairs the firm’s cannabis practice. She has lobbied for over a decade on behalf of a broad range of clients including cannabis entities, hospital systems, corporations, not-for-profit organizations and professional associations with a particular focus on cannabis, health care and licensed professions. Emily’s cannabis work has involved representation of CAURD applicants, cannabis tech companies and licensees.
Joanne Wilson
CEO, Gotham
Joanne is a successful early-stage angel investor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist with a diverse background and is the founder and CEO of Gotham. She has over 150 companies in her diverse investment portfolio. Joanne co-founded Frame Home, a Brooklyn-based sustainable residential real estate development company. Joanne chairs the Public Housing Community Fund in NYC, sits on the board of The Highline, and is co-founder and president of Gotham Gives, her family’s public charity.
What do you feel is the most urgent issue facing the New York-Cannabis industry?
The most urgent issue facing the New York cannabis industry changes daily. It is a gift to have a front seat to this burgeoning industry. For NYC, the illegal stores must be shut down for the legal businesses to blossom. That is first and foremost. This affects the farmers, the dispensaries, and, most importantly, the consumers.
Do you have any cannabis industry-specific advice for people looking to break into the field?
This industry is extremely complicated and far from a lay-up. I have been running and growing businesses my entire life and have never seen anything so layered. This is a highly regulated business, and the regulations change constantly. Do your homework before making the plunge.
What are your hopes for the future of the cannabis industry in New York?
My hope is that there will be small, singular stores and multiple groups of brands. These stores will be a happy fixture in neighborhoods, where people, including their children, can come in and connect. I hope that these businesses are treated like the alcohol industry when it comes to regulations and events.
What are some of the positive impacts you’ve seen from legalizing cannabis in New York?
The most positive impact is that the realization of the false narrative that has been foisted on the American public is finally coming to light so that all users can buy legal, safe products before they light up.
Tremaine S. Wright
Chairwoman, Cannabis Control Board
Tremaine S. Wright is a former member of the New York State Assembly who thereafter, served as the first director of the department of financial services statewide office of financial inclusion and empowerment. Ms. Wright is an attorney, entrepreneur, and activist who is a second-generation Bedford Stuyvesant resident invested in preserving the rich legacy of her community and building a strong foundation for the future. She has dedicated her career to empowering and creating opportunities for her neighbors and her community.
Michael Zaytsev
Academic Director, Business of Cannabis, LIM College
Michael Zaytsev is the academic director of business of cannabis at LIM College, where he established New York State’s first accredited bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the business of cannabis. As the founder of High NY, one of the world’s largest cannabis networking communities, and the bestselling author of “The Cannabis Business Book,” Michael promotes industry growth through education, community engagement, strategic partnerships, public speaking, and executive coaching.
What do you feel is the most urgent issue facing the New York-Cannabis industry?
The most urgent issue facing the New York cannabis industry is the proliferation of unlicensed dispensaries. This not only undermines legal businesses that comply with state regulations, but also jeopardizes consumer safety by allowing untested products on the market. Tackling this requires a balanced approach that accelerates the licensing process for legal operators and enforces regulations to curtail illegal shops, ensuring the industry’s integrity and public trust.
Do you have any cannabis industry-specific advice for people looking to break into the field?
Invest in your cannabis education so that you have a thorough understanding of the plant, the laws, and market dynamics. Networking is crucial; attend industry events and connect with established professionals who can offer mentorship. Learn from the pros. Play to your strengths and build a diverse skill set to adapt to the industry’s evolving needs. Always advocate for ethical, inclusive, and sustainable business practices to ensure long-term success in the cannabis industry.
What are your hopes for the future of the cannabis industry in New York?
I hope to see New York’s cannabis industry emerge as the leader in innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, providing widespread economic opportunities, especially for communities historically marginalized by cannabis prohibition. Prioritizing product quality, consumer safety, and education is essential. Additionally, I envision a robust educational system that not only develops the future cannabis workforce, but also educates healthcare professionals
What are some of the positive impacts you’ve seen from legalizing cannabis in New York?
Legalization has enabled the establishment of formal educational programs, like those at LIM College, turning cannabis into a gateway to a higher education and a meaningful career. Legalization promises substantial community reinvestment and economic growth from the budding multibillion-dollar industry. New Yorkers can expect tangible benefits that will significantly shape the social and economic fabric of our state for many years to come.
Nicolas Guarino
Co-Founder and CEO, Naturae
Originally from Venezuela with a background in specialty agriculture, Nicolas Guarino, Naturae co-founder and CEO, rooted himself in New York after studying in the U.S. and attending CUNY Baruch in New York City. As a consumer with a passion for cannabis, Nicolas co-founded Naturae in 2017 as head of agriculture, was named CEO in 2021, and has since steered the company to a successful launch into the New York adult-use market with a portfolio of extract-based products under the Jaunty brand and others. He is also a board member and co-founder of the Empire Cannabis Manufacturers Alliance.
