2024 Cannabis Industry Power Players

Alexander Ortecho was born and raised in the Bronx. His father was born in Peru and his mother was born in Puerto Rico. He’s the youngest of three. He graduated from Bronx Community College and works as an anesthesia tech at Montefiore hospital.

What do you feel is the most urgent issue facing the New York-Cannabis industry?
I believe the quality of cannabis and it being processed accordingly. The slow roll out of indoor micro licenses held us back. New York will be the mecca of all great cannabis and it’s coming soon

Do you have any cannabis industry-specific advice for people looking to break into the field?
You’ve got to be in it to win it. Even if it’s just an entry level position at a dispensary or working at a farm. Learning the ropes is the best way.

What are your hopes for the future of the cannabis industry in New York?
I want to see New York brands flourish. I would love to see the same people who kept the culture alive during the prohibition days be represented in all parts of the business. I want education to be key for the community so everyone is informed

What are some of the positive impacts you’ve seen from legalizing cannabis in New York?
Education being available. Safe tested products being sold to the community. Giving the community options to buy from New York farmers and processors

In December 2018, Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes was appointed majority leader of the New York State Assembly, having served Buffalo’s 141st Assembly District since 2003. She’s the first woman and person of color to hold the position in New York State’s history. In June 2019, she decriminalized possession and the expungement of minor marijuana convictions from New Yorkers’ criminal records. In March 2021, Peoples-Stokes passed the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), legalizing adult-use cannabis.

What do you feel is the most urgent issue facing the New York-Cannabis industry?
The most important issue facing MRTA is the multiple threats against social equity. MRTA was designed to allow opportunities for the justice-impacted to get into the business. Challenging social equity is an American tradition, every single court case has been about challenging social equity, the proliferation of unlicensed dispensaries by organized crime, non-responsive law enforcement, attempts to over saturate the market, changing the 1,000 foot rule, are all examples of the challenges facing social equity.

Do you have any cannabis industry-specific advice for people looking to break into the field?
Like opening any other business, breaking into this market is a risky business. The field is wide open outside of the license process. Scores of businesses that are not plant touching are available and thriving: lawyers, accountants, security, delivery, lab work, packing, graphic design and so on.

What are your hopes for the future of the cannabis industry in New York?
I hope that CAURD applicants with licenses, approved locations and inspections are allowed to open tomorrow. I also hope other social equity (CAURD) licenses are processed and allowed to open before the end of the summer. Knowing it took ten years to rid society of unlicensed alcohol sales, it is my hope that it won’t take as long to eliminate illegal cannabis dispensaries.

What are some of the positive impacts you’ve seen from legalizing cannabis in New York?
Topping my list is over 400,000 records expunged and inmates released from jail for nonviolent low-level cannabis convictions. These men and women’s lives were intentionally destroyed due to stop and frisk, but also their families and communities. Secondly, NYS’ successful number of social equity applicants, especially Black and brown licensees, is more than all other legal states combined. Imagine where we’d be if not for the obstructive forces against OCM’s social equity implementation!!!

Jonpaul Pezzo is a pioneer in NYC’s thriving recreational cannabis and nightlife industries. Whether he’s booking internationally renowned artists or catering to New Yorkers’ THC needs, Jonpaul’s authority is unquestionable. His unparalleled insight and marketing experience make him a go-to source in both realms, solidifying his status as a leader in NYC’s most sought-after businesses.

What do you feel is the most urgent issue facing the New York-Cannabis industry?
The closing down of the illicit stores, we have all been through a lot to get legalized and we are finally here and we got to make sure we do not go backwards.

Do you have any cannabis industry-specific advice for people looking to break into the field?
Do your research, do your math, factor in everything from taxes to staffing into your number and make sure you are not caught blindsided by the reality of the industry.

What are your hopes for the future of the cannabis industry in New York?
I hope that we do not follow other markets with all the issues they had once things got rolling with the legal market opening. I’m looking forward to everyone getting their piece of the pie and all the retails thrive and keep the big companies out of this thing of ours.

What are some of the positive impacts you’ve seen from legalizing cannabis in New York?
I see a lot more people involved in the legal cannabis job market. A lot of people finding their calling and it’s good to see so many jobs and careers being created daily.

Honeysuckle Media is a Clio award-winning, female owned print and digital publication focusing on cannabis and its intersection with pop culture. Since its inception in 2013, Honeysuckle has pioneered many initiatives in plant medicine in NYC across their multi-platform offerings in print, digital, out-of-home, creative, email, social and more. Ronit also spearheads Honeysuckle Studios, high performing, end creative agency for corporate and creative work in – photography, videography, branded content, marketing assets. events coverage and film – with her partner, creative director, Sam Long.  Honeysuckle was the recent recipient of two New York State awards for contribution to New York culture and progressive reporting.

Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar is a lawyer, professor, and government leader who made history as the first South Asian-American woman elected to New York State Office. Her legislative achievements are nationally recognized. She passed milestone legislation that gives domestic workers the full protections of the human rights law. She passed a landmark bill establishing New York State’s first-ever AAPI Commission. In 2023, she passed historic legislation establishing Diwali as a New York City Public School holiday.

What do you feel is the most urgent issue facing the New York-Cannabis industry?
This year I authored and passed the historic SMOKEOUT Act to allow New York City to shut down illegal cannabis shops, which undermine the legal market and sell dangerous unregulated substances. After the passage of SMOKEOUT Act, Mayor Eric Adams has already padlocked 75 illegal cannabis stores in New York City as we go full force shutting them down. I am proud of launching “Operation: SMOKEOUT.”

Jessica Ramos represents New York’s 13th district in the state senate, which includes the Queens neighborhoods of Corona, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and part of Rego Park. Ramos chairs the senate committee on labor, where she’s fought to pass historic legislation to grant farm and domestic workers basic labor protections, tackle wage theft and worker safety, and secured $2.1 billion to create a fund for workers who have been excluded from pandemic-related relief.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera represents the 33rd district in the Bronx. Since taking office, he has focused on addressing health inequity. In 2018, Senator Rivera became chair of the senate health committee. In his role, he collaborates with colleagues, stakeholders, and constituents to improve health outcomes, increase access to care, and ensure a viable health care system. He is the sponsor of the “New York Health Act” to establish a single-payer statewide health care system.

What do you feel is the most urgent issue facing the New York-Cannabis industry?
When we passed MRTA, we committed to deliver social and economic equity for communities of color after decades of over-criminalization. Currently, CAURD and Social Equity licensees are facing competition from unlicensed cannabis shops without the financial and technical support promised by law. With this budget, unlicensed shops selling illicit cannabis will be closed within a civil enforcement framework and help to boost our nascent legal cannabis industry.

Do you have any cannabis industry-specific advice for people looking to break into the field?
Cannabis entrepreneurs must recognize that they need to be engaged with the policies and politics of our state’s cannabis marketplace. Corporate cannabis walks the halls of Albany every day, so we need social equity business owners there more than ever. It’s not easy to be an entrepreneur, but it’s harder in uncharted territory with limited financing options, so find a coalition and be an advocate for yourself and others.

What are your hopes for the future of the cannabis industry in New York?
The State must ensure that social equity entrepreneurs have the tools and support they need to succeed. The runway they had to compete with corporate cannabis and their deep pockets are shorter than we had hoped for. Multi-state operators have the agility and resources to outpace small operators’ chances at sustainable businesses and we have an obligation to rectify that imbalance of power and fulfill the promises of MRTA.

What are some of the positive impacts you’ve seen from legalizing cannabis in New York?
Restorative justice is the reason I supported MRTA and the legalization of cannabis in our state. Thanks to MRTA, nonviolent records were automatically expunged and countless Black and Brown New Yorkers, especially in places like The Bronx, no longer face unfair criminalization for carrying a joint or supposedly smelling like marijuana. Instead, impacted communities have opportunities to build generational wealth that has been denied to them for far too long.

Joseph Rossi is a managing director and the leader of the cannabis practice group at Park Strategies. A zealous advocate for his clients, Mr. Rossi concentrates on state and local government relations, business development, relationship management, and strategic planning. Separately, Mr. Rossi also serves as a vice chair of the NYS Democratic Executive Committee.

What do you feel is the most urgent issue facing the New York-Cannabis industry?
After three years since New York legalized adult-use cannabis, there are so many urgent issues facing the industry, it is hard to choose just one. There is the exponential proliferation of the illicit dispensaries, the legal out-of-state brands being sold in those places illegally, and the lack of transparency in the OCM application process. All of this and more has created a malaise and fatigue amongst legal cannabis entrepreneurs.

Do you have any cannabis industry-specific advice for people looking to break into the field?
Right now, my advice for people looking to enter the NY cannabis market is to prepare to fight like hell as your own advocate every single step of the way through the licensing process and beyond. If you are timid, and afraid to speak up, you may want to wait till this industry rights itself.

What are your hopes for the future of the cannabis industry in New York?
My hope is that the government stops with the licensing schemes like the DASNY fund, which over-promised and under-delivered and provided false hope to a number of New Yorkers. I also hope the government becomes much more transparent and communicates their actions much more clearly and regularly to New Yorkers.

What are some of the positive impacts you’ve seen from legalizing cannabis in New York?
During the cannabis prohibition, New Yorkers convicted of cannabis misdemeanors lost jobs, drivers licenses and homes. Now, their records have automatically been expunged. That is the biggest positive impact to date. To be frank though, it has been three years since New York legalized adult-use cannabis and the Governor has called the rollout a “disaster”. I pray this program is significantly reformed in order to prevent any more financial harm to New York’s cannabis entrepreneurs.

Lauren Rudick is the founder and managing principal of Rudick Law Group, a boutique law firm with offices in New York, New Jersey, and Latin America, where she focuses on commercial transactions and compliance in cannabis and other emerging, newly regulated markets. Rudick also serves on the board of directors of the International Cannabis Bar Association, a non-profit organization, and Breeder’s Best Inc., a B-corp. and record-label style producer of unique cannabis genetics.

What do you feel is the most urgent issue facing the New York-Cannabis industry?
Lack of transparency and process in licensing new cannabis businesses for operations; and false valuations of cannabis businesses, resulting from the purported “capped” number of licenses being issued as opposed to natural, competitive forces (including a heightened cannabis experience). New Yorkers are capable of far more diverse and exciting products than the current market allows.

Do you have any cannabis industry-specific advice for people looking to break into the field?
Virtually any background is applicable to the cannabis industry. If you have a genuine passion for the plant and the people who use it, there is plenty of room for you!

What are your hopes for the future of the cannabis industry in New York?
Production of the best weed in the world, offered through seemingly limitless experiences that are unique to New York.

What are some of the positive impacts you’ve seen from legalizing cannabis in New York?
Job creation and collaboration among constituents who previously served the traditional (or illicit) market, without fear of prosecution. Unfettered access to medication for those who cannot afford or who do not have time to go through New York’s medical cannabis patient registration process. Creative dealmaking, enabling unique and controlled consumption experiences. And de-stigmatization among those who are “new” to cannabis – strong desire to support new, legal businesses!

Hawaii Mike Salman is the co-founder of Chef for Higher (CFH), a pioneering culinary and culture company specializing in cannabis-infused products and dining events. CFH launched their line of THC-infused cooking essentials in New York’s adult-use market in 2023, becoming the first culinary brand. For over 25 years, he’s been on the frontlines of music, media, and lifestyle, using hip-hop and cannabis as conduits for pursuing his passions and refining his alchemy.

What do you feel is the most urgent issue facing the New York-Cannabis industry?
Shutting down the illegal shops and expediting dispensary licenses to CAURD first and then general applications.

Do you have any cannabis industry-specific advice for people looking to break into the field?
Know your “why” and create something unique that provides a solution. Build your brand so there is recognition. Be prepared for long days and nights building your position in an already crowded and competitive marketplace.

What are your hopes for the future of the cannabis industry in New York?
That NY is the tipping point to federal and global legalization. Once we can open up to crossing state lines NY will be the mecca of cannabis tourism and consumption. As consumers, we need to have the access to variety we’re already used to.

What are some of the positive impacts you’ve seen from legalizing cannabis in New York?
Personally, giving a true legacy operator such as myself the opportunity to get into the legal market.