The New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) unanimously confirmed the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM)’s new Chief Equity Officer on Friday. The Board also approved 53 new adult-use license applications, advancing efforts to expand access and opportunity across the state.

The New York State Senate recently confirmed Governor Kathy Hochul’s nomination of Jessica C. García to serve as Chair of the Cannabis Control Board. García, a longtime labor advocate and Assistant to the President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, brings a career-long focus on advancing workers’ rights and equity. Ms. García has served as a member of the Cannabis Control Board since 2021.

The Office also took time to express sincere gratitude to former CCB Chair Tremaine Wright for her groundbreaking leadership in launching and guiding New York’s cannabis program since its inception.

The Office also welcomed L. Simone Washington as its new Chief Equity Officer, a seasoned change management professional with a background in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). Washington brings extensive experience in equity-focused business development, conflict management, organizational effectiveness, team building, and leadership development.

The CCB approved 53 new adult-use cannabis licenses, bringing the total to 1,789. Of those approved at the meeting, 46% are held by Social and Economic Equity (SEE) licensees, the majority of which are minority-owned businesses.  

 The 53 licenses include:  

Adult-Use Cultivator License: 1  

Adult-Use Distributor License: 5 

 Adult-Use Microbusiness License: 14  

Adult-Use Processor License: 21  

Adult-Use Retail Dispensary License: 12 

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