New York’s Cannabis Control Board: Two More Appointments

The forward progress keeps on coming! This week, New York’s legislature made its two appointments to the Cannabis Control Board (CCB), leaving us just two appointments shy of a full board. As per the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), the five (5) person CCB is comprised of a Chairperson (nominated by the governor and approved by the legislature), two (2) board members appointed by the governor, one (1) board member appointed by the New York’s Senate Majority Leader, and one (1) board member appointed by the speaker of the New York State Assembly.

New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins appointed former New York State Senator Jen Metzger. New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie appointed Adam W. Perry, a Buffalo attorney.

Here is what we know about the appointees:

Jen Metzger

A former state senator who served one (1) term representing the Hudson Valley and is a New York City native. Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousin’s announcement included this statement from new board member Metzger:

“I am honored to have been selected by Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins to serve on the Cannabis Control Board. New York is entering a new chapter with legalized adult-use marijuana that has been a long time in the making for our state. I look forward to ensuring this market is environmentally sustainable, equitable and accountable so that New Yorkers can enjoy fair access to both the product and to the new economic opportunities it offers. I’m excited for the work ahead.”

It bears note that during her tenure as a state senator, Ms. Metzger was the Chair of the Agriculture Committee that successfully enacted legislation creating a framework for production, processing, and sale of hemp and CBD products.

Adam Perry

From Speaker Heastie’s press release:

“Mr. Perry is a partner at Hodgson Russ LLP where he focuses on employment litigation, and has represented nonprofits, governments and businesses in state and federal courts. Mr. Perry has deep roots in Buffalo, having attended Erie County Community College and the University at Buffalo, and currently serves as a board member and chair of Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Aviation Committee, as well as chair of the Citizen Planning Council. He graduated from the University of Michigan Law School.”

Mr. Perry’s bio on Hodgson Russ’ website includes “Cannabis and Hemp” as Mr. Perry’s practice areas. Mr. Perry’s statement from the press release:

“It is an honor to be appointed by the Speaker to the Cannabis Control Board,” Adam W. Perry said. “This is an historic moment where we get to shape from the ground up a new industry in our state, where we can make sure there is social equity and fairness. I look forward to getting to work.”

More critical steps towards a fully formed CCB and the issuance of its rules and regulations for New York’s cannabis industry. Stay tuned for updates on Governor Kathy Hochul’s two (2) final appointments to the CCB and any news on the timing of the release of the CCB’s rules and regulations.

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