Roughly two dozen cannabis leaders from various corners of the market, including legacy, multistate operators, advocates and government officials, met Friday in Far Rockaway to address concerns about New York’s legalization roll out.
The “Leading The Charge” cannabis roundtable discussion was led by Esther Lelievre, co-founder of the Cultivated Community Foundation, and the office of NYS Senator James Sanders, Jr.
After years of panels and discussions, Lelievre said that action is now needed and education is essential for progress.
“There comes a time where we gotta just start figuring out solutions,” Lelievre said.
Marvin Holland, Sanders’ chief of staff, was the only government official in attendance and cited a hearing on the JFK Airport redevelopment plan as a reason other lawmakers were not present. He highlighted the importance of preparing jobseekers with the needed education to enter the cannabis space, particularly in communities most affected by the drug war.