Dawson revealed that New York City’s Cannabis Czar Dasheeda Dawson stepped down officially from her role as the head of Cannabis NYC last week to rest up and relax, before embarking on her new project. Green Market Report This Friday
Dawson formally left Cannabis NYC on Tuesday, March 25, after joining the agency – a wing of the city’s Small Business Services department – in October 2022 during the run-up to New York’s recreational marijuana market launch in December that year. Dawson took the job after more than two years of working as a cannabis regulator for the city of Portland, Oregon, and she still has her own cannabis lifestyle brand, The WeedHead & Co.
Dawson’s resignation, first reported by Politico and confirmed on Friday by Cannabis NYC and SBS, was initially announced by Politico.
Cannabis NYC stated in an email to SBS that they were grateful for Dawson’s service and dedication to the cannabis community. They also praised him for his unique initiatives, which laid the foundation for the impactful programs the SBS will build on. GMR.
Dawson says that her separation from Cannabis NYC, although it may appear sudden, has been planned for quite some time, and was a mutually agreeable split.
I’m sure that you are sorry. Dawson acknowledged that transitioning is always difficult. Many people are unaware that I didn’t have a rest between my previous role and this one. It was really my first day back in New York City after spending the last two weeks in Portland. I’m preparing for more challenging jobs and I need to recharge and rest.
She also said she was proud of Cannabis NYC’s programs and achievements, which include a small business loan fund launched in recent months to help support marijuana businesses.
Dawson has not revealed what her next move is, but confirms that she remains chair of the Cannabis Regulators of Color Coalition.
“I’ve got a vision. “I have a vision. Dawson stated that the influence of space is more global. It’s still a lot of work and all these space leaders are wearing so many different hats. I took one of them off.”
Dawson was unable to provide any details about the person who might succeed her in this role.
“I’m not sure what the next step will be for the city but I do know that my old team did a fantastic job in laying the groundwork to make April, may, June, and July the most active months with cannabis engagements and events. She said, “I’d imagine it would go forward.”
Dawson said that she also hopes more funding from state tax revenue will be given to New York City communities that have been hurt by the cannabis prohibition. Dawson said that, rather than having Small Business Services house Cannabis NYC as the marijuana industry’s supervisory department, the city would benefit by creating a separate cannabis-specific business division.