Christopher Alexander

Chris Alexander is the Executive Director of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. In this role, he is charged with the implementation and oversight of New York's cannabinoid hemp, adult-use, and medical cannabis programs. He has previously worked as the Government Relations & Policy Manager for a multi-state cannabis company, as an Associate Counsel for the New York State Senate and the Policy Coordinator for the Drug Policy Alliance’s New York Policy Office. He also has worked as a staffer in the House of Representatives during the 113th Congress and has led political campaigns on the state and local level. He is the architect of the Start SMART NY campaign to end marijuana prohibition and the lead drafter of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. He received his B.A. from Syracuse University and his JD from the City University of New York School of Law.