2024 Cannabis Industry Power Players

Patrick McCarthy has worked in cannabis for more than 15 years, first in driving medical cannabis legalization, and then adult use. Representing a diverse group of clients with interests across the cannabis industry, he is looking forward to helping shape a successful new industry in the Empire State.

What do you feel is the most urgent issue facing the New York-Cannabis industry?
There are so many challenges facing regulators, growers, license holders and applicants. Part of our job at Mercury is to help anticipate potential roadblocks and use our experience in cannabis to overcome them. Facilitating access to banking, working with regulators, the governor’s office and the legislature to streamline the approval process are two areas we will continue to focus on.

Do you have any cannabis industry-specific advice for people looking to break into the field?
The devil is in the details. Whether it’s being precise on a dispensary location, or making sure you’ve “checked every box” on agency paperwork, or working to secure media coverage, there is no detail too small when putting together a team to secure a license.

What are your hopes for the future of the cannabis industry in New York?
Too many parties in cannabis view other components not only as competitors but enemies. When different components of the industry realize there needs to be more cooperation, there will be a smoother glide path to success. Groups can work together to improve the process and industry overall.

What are some of the positive impacts you’ve seen from legalizing cannabis in New York?
We’ve said for years, “You don’t get many chances to create an entire new industry in New York.” It’s been exciting to watch new dispensaries open, construction jobs be created at cultivation facilities, and seeing more and more people try safe and tested products for the first time. Watching cannabis be taken more seriously as a product and an industry has been very gratifying.

Lisa Reid is a managing director at Mercury. Bringing two decades of non-profit and lobbying experience to the table, Lisa counsels clients on how to develop legislative priorities, identify key stakeholders, and then maximize the levers of government to their benefit. Lisa has vast experience in NY’s health care system. Lisa has had a significant voice in many of the most important health care policies enacted for almost two decades.

What do you feel is the most urgent issue facing the New York-Cannabis industry?
The changing landscape from state to state is always a difficult one. The window between decriminalization to regulation was too vast in NY. We need to stand up as many legal businesses as we can to decrease the illicit shops and bring prices down allowing all facets of the industry to thrive.

Do you have any cannabis industry-specific advice for people looking to break into the field?
Buyer beware! Know EXACTLY what you are signing up for before investing

What are your hopes for the future of the cannabis industry in New York?
I hope New York’s cannabis industry becomes a unique craft market. We know the NY legacy market has some of the most skilled growers in the history of cannabis. New York will be one of the largest markets in the world. We need to showcase that!

What are some of the positive impacts you’ve seen from legalizing cannabis in New York?
Increase in workforce/economic development, decrease of incarcerations and stigma associated with cannabis use and ultimately the real positive impact will be the revenue generated which will be reinvested in the communities most hurt by the War on Drugs. To me that’s the real game changer!

Howell Miller is the president of Two Buds Dispensary, New York’s first Jamaican owned legal cannabis dispensary. Two Buds Dispensary proudly reflects this heritage, with a warm and inviting atmosphere that celebrates both the medicinal and recreational aspects of cannabis. Two Buds is committed to promoting education and advocacy around cannabis legalization and social justice. The dispensary believes in giving back to their community and empowering individuals who have been impacted by the War on Drugs, which is why they actively support local initiatives and organizations that work towards cannabis reform and equity.

What do you feel is the most urgent issue facing the New York-Cannabis industry?
The illegal smoke shops

Do you have any cannabis industry-specific advice for people looking to break into the field?
Stay focused. 

What are your hopes for the future of the cannabis industry in New York?
It’s going to look just like the alcohol industry, where a dispensary is no different than a liquor store.

What are some of the positive impacts you’ve seen from legalizing cannabis in New York?
Safer products.

Misha Morse-Buch is a native New Yorker, business owner, and recent recipient of one of Brooklyn’s first CAURD licenses. A graduate of Brooklyn College’s business management program, Misha and his wife opened I Love My Pet Food and Supplies in Crown Heights, Brooklyn in 2015. The success of the store led to an expansion and larger space in 2019. Misha’s connection to cannabis dates back 20 years, and he’s developed a deep knowledge of the industry. With New York State awarding licenses to victims of cannabis criminalization, it’s serendipitous for Misha to finally be positively affected by the progressive changes in the legal status of the plant. Misha currently resides in Sunset Park, Brooklyn with Evija, his wife of 17 years, and their two daughters.

Nicole N’diaye, a prominent figure in New York’s cannabis scene, co-chairs the cannabis and hemp committee at Black Farmers United-NYS and serves on the CANY board. She manages Bossiee Budz and NAHE Farms, wielding seven hemp licenses and transitioning to micro adult-use operation. Nicole’s latest venture is an innovative home-grow affiliate program through Bossiee Budz, providing extensive resources and community support to urban growers. Her efforts are to sustain cannabis cultivation in NY landscapes.

What do you feel is the most urgent issue facing the New York-Cannabis industry?
One of the most urgent issues facing the New York cannabis industry is the combination of high entry barriers and the proliferation of illicit stores. Despite progressive legislation, smaller entrepreneurs, particularly from marginalized communities, struggle with complex regulations and financial hurdles, while unlicensed operations undermine market integrity and public safety. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensure equitable access, foster diversity, and harness the economic potential of cannabis for those historically affected by its criminalization.

Do you have any cannabis industry-specific advice for people looking to break into the field?
For those aspiring to enter the cannabis industry, thorough research and proper vetting are essential. If you do not have the money at least know where it is coming from. Use reliable sources like PI, Google to investigate potential business partners and avoid fraud. Developing a solid business plan, financial model, and pitch deck is crucial. These documents should outline your valuation and the equity you’re willing to offer.

What are your hopes for the future of the cannabis industry in New York?
I hope New York becomes a global cannabis hub by prioritizing social equity and hemp farmers in initial licensing. This approach, aimed at inclusivity and community empowerment, could set a global standard for a diverse and equitable industry. If New York continues on this path, it can demonstrate that a successful cannabis market can also uphold equity and benefit those historically impacted by cannabis prohibition.

What are some of the positive impacts you’ve seen from legalizing cannabis in New York?
Legalizing cannabis in New York has spurred several positive impacts, including the empowerment of individuals through the legalization of home grows, enabling personal cultivation and knowledge. Hemp farmers have expanded their operations, tapping into a cannabis growing market. Enhanced control over cannabis potency ensures safer consumer experiences. Additionally, the legalization has generated significant tax revenues, which are earmarked for education, community reinvestment, and drug treatment programs, fostering broader societal benefits.

Britni Tantalo is a woman minority NYS CAURD and SEE applicant looking to obtain a retail dispensary license as Flower City Dispensary. She is also co-founder and president of the New York Cannabis Retail Association (NYCRA), an organization that aims to create educational pathways in cannabis and ensure access to resources in order to create a sustainable, equitable, and inclusive cannabis industry. Britni holds a bachelor’s degree from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in finance with a minor in economics and an MBA from St. John Fisher University in accounting. 

What do you feel is the most urgent issue facing the New York-Cannabis industry?
Getting more retail dispensary applications processed, licenses issued and doors opened, rampant unlicensed shops, lack of financial capital in the market to name just a few. We cannot deny that New York cannabis is experiencing many challenges but, the reality is we cannot fix everything all at once. The efforts made by the governor’s office and our state legislators has given me the confidence that we are on the path to finding solutions to these issues. 

Do you have any cannabis industry-specific advice for people looking to break into the field?
I highly recommend doing your homework before entering. It’s critical to understand the regulations so you know how your business can operate (internally and externally), how you will be taxed, how your cost of goods will be affected, terms for accounts payables/receivables, etc. These key components will all have major implications on the operational and financial planning of your business. It’s important to know the regulation that guides these aspects of your investment.  

What are your hopes for the future of the cannabis industry in New York?
To truly have a thriving and robust market here in New York as I believe the potential has always been here. To see the tax dollars made from legal cannabis sales rebuilding disadvantaged areas throughout NYS. To see changes made to regulations that are hindering the way our business can operate and be profitable. My hope is that we will have a more realistic and conducive market because market conditions and regulations will be more aligned.  

What are some of the positive impacts you’ve seen from legalizing cannabis in New York?
I have personally met so many people who now can access and consume their medicine without legal ramifications or approvals from doctors. To know that so many people with physical, mental and emotional ailments that use cannabis as medicine, can now access it through recreational outlets and with no medical card is a huge triumph for this industry. Helping others to live a better quality of life through this plant legally is a blessing.

Jayson Tantalo is the vice president of operations at New York Cannabis Retail Association (NYCRA), formerly known as the New York CAURD Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging education and promoting opportunities to improve sustainability in the cannabis industry. As part of his duties, Jayson is responsible for strategizing, planning, and developing the framework for the organization. In addition, he equips others like himself with access to business plans, standard operating procedures, and the necessary expertise to initiate their entrepreneurial journey. 

What do you feel is the most urgent issue facing the New York-Cannabis industry? 
The problem’s I see everyday is the lack of infrastructure of the program, meaning the state, the senate, the assembly, the cannabis control board, and the office of cannabis management all need to develop a system that will allow all parties to have a voice but not have the ability to control the narrative of what New York legal cannabis looks like. 

Do you have any cannabis industry-specific advice for people looking to break into the field? 
My best advice for those seeking to enter the industry would be to have the mindset of “collaboration over competition thinking.” Coming from this industry since 14 years of age, recognizing that you need others in this space in order to get what you need is the only way to success. Building each other and helping everyone in the industry even if they’re your competition will be what allows this industry to be the determining factor that sets our state apart from others.

What are your hopes for the future of the cannabis industry in New York? 
My hopes for the cannabis industry here in New York would be that the world recognizes us to be the capital of cannabis. Whether you’re living upstate running a micro business or you’re downstate operating a retail store, the direct consumer will feel the unity and choose to consume our products. 

What are some of the positive impacts you’ve seen from legalizing cannabis in New York? 
Witnessing the transformation of this industry while having the opportunity to express oneself without the fear of prison is pretty impactful.

Osbert Orduna is the CEO and founder of The Cannabis Place dispensary, a certified social equity and Service Disabled Veteran owned cannabis business. He has successfully launched The Cannabis Place dispensary, licensed locations in both Queens, New York and Jersey City, New Jersey. Osbert is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and grew up in NYCHA developments in NYC. He was the first in his family to attend college and has been an entrepreneur for over a decade.

What do you feel is the most urgent issue facing the New York-Cannabis industry?
The lack of available capital to CAURD licensees is a major issue. For example during the licensing delays caused by litigation against the state we spent hundreds of thousands of capital to hold our lease, this was after dormitory authority of the State of New York (DASNY) had proved ineffective at securing and building locations. The $50 million that was set aside should be used by the state to provide grants like New Jersey did or at least low interest loans.

Do you have any cannabis industry-specific advice for people looking to break into the field?
We have the benefit of having successfully gone through the licensing process in New York and New Jersey. While some people complain about the slow rollout in NY after injunctions and lawsuits, the reality for us was that NJ had none of that and yet was just as slow as the NY process, both were 18+ months so my advice is be patient because the stress will literally kill you if you let it.

What are your hopes for the future of the cannabis industry in New York?
New York is going to have a world leading cannabis industry regardless, we did in legacy and we will now in the licensed market, there are so many great products to choose from today and tomorrow will only get better. New York is a global cannabis powerhouse, always has been and always will be!

What are some of the positive impacts you’ve seen from legalizing cannabis in New York?
The greatest positive impact for me is the creation of cannabis career opportunities in communities where no one was bringing new opportunities, like Middle Village Queens where we revitalized a building that had been vacant for years and also created 22 new living-wage jobs that did not exist before. This is happening in communities all over New York thanks to the legalization of cannabis.