New York Cannabis Market Gains Momentum with Gov. Kathy Hochul in Office
By Bridgette Nikisher
Sep 23, 2021
Sign up for Tri-State cannabis updates from Vicente Sederberg LLP
New York’s cannabis market is picking up speed with Governor Kathy Hochul in office!
Gov. Hochul announced yesterday that on September 21, Reuben R. McDaniel, III and Jessica García were appointed to the Cannabis Control Board (CCB). With these final appointments by the governor, the CCB is complete and the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) can get to work. The CCB and OCM will create and implement a comprehensive regulatory framework for New York's cannabis industry, including the production, licensing, packaging, marketing and sale of cannabis products. First on the docket is for OCM to prepare the regulations for New York’s adult-use cannabis program. Applications will follow soon after.
Gov. Hochul said "New York's cannabis industry has stalled for far too long - I am making important appointments to set the Office of Cannabis Management up for success so they can hit the ground running. I am confident Mr. McDaniel and Ms. García will serve the board with professionalism and experience as we lead our state forward in this new industry."
The panel also includes members appointed from the State Senate and Assembly. The five members of the CCB are Executive Director Christopher Alexander, Tremaine Wright, Jennifer Metzger, Adam Perry, Reuben R. McDaniel, III, and Jessica García.
Read the new appointees’ biographies below.
Reuben R. McDaniel, III is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (“DASNY”). Mr. McDaniel's appointment was confirmed by the New York State Senate on June 10, 2020. Mr. McDaniel is responsible for the overall management of DASNY's administration and operations. Mr. McDaniel joined DASNY in 2019 as an accomplished investment banker with more than 30 years of experience in financial services, including public finance, personal wealth management, corporate finance and private equity. During his career in public finance, he participated in more than $75 billion in tax-exempt bond issuances throughout the country. Mr. McDaniel also founded an investment advisory firm, where he managed more than $50 million in investment portfolios and business assets for a variety of professionals. Prior to, Mr. McDaniel served as Chair of the Atlanta Board of Education for Public Schools, where he led a diverse group of constituents and served as a voice for the community of parents. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and mathematics from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin.
Jessica García is Assistant to the President of the Retail, Wholesale Department Store Union, UFCW, a national labor union representing workers along the food supply chain, as well as workers in non-food retail and healthcare. She previously served as Deputy Political Director for the RWDSU, where she worked to advance the union's legislative and political agendas. Prior, she served as Director of Programs and Organizing at New Immigrant Community Empowerment and spent her early career advocating for fair funding for public schools in New York City. She currently serves as chair of board of the New York Committee for Safety and Health and the Advocacy Institute, vice-president of the Rural & Migrant Ministry board of directors, and member of the board of the Costa Rican-based organization, Vivir El Sueno. Originally from Honduras, Jessica is a graduate of the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College and Harvard University.