The final two appointees to New York's cannabis market oversight and regulatory panel on Tuesday were appointed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, her office announced, as the state's nascent industry begins to take shape.
Hochul appointed Reuben McDaniel, the president and CEO of the Dormitory Authority of New York State, as well as Jessica Garcia, the assistant to the president of the Retail, Wholesale Department Store Union.
"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," Hochul said. "I am confident Mr. McDaniel and Ms. Garcia will serve the board with professionalism and experience as we lead our state forward in this new industry."
Hochul, who took office last month, previously named former Assemblywoman Tremaine Wright of Brooklyn as chairwoman of the board, while former Drug Policy Alliance coordinator Christopher Alexander would become executive director.
The panel, which also includes legislative appointments from the state Senate and Assembly, is in charge of setting regulations for the state's cannabis industry, including the sale of commercial retail products. The five-person board will oversee licensing, taxation and sales of cannabis products, and was created as part of the broader legalization package approved last spring. The board will have the power of issuing or revoking licenses in the industry.