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Course

This program is a discussion of the implementation of the NYS Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), which is both social equity and employment legislation and has as its goal repairing the damage caused by criminalization of cannabis and mass incarceration to individuals and communities. This far-reaching legislation prioritizes diversity and equity in the granting of licenses, quality jobs, and expungement of cannabis criminal records to increase employment opportunities for people involved in the criminal legal system. It will focus on the forthcoming MRTA regulations, workforce development issues, and how prospective licensees and current employers in the medical cannabis industry see the development of this emerging industry in NYS.

Speakers

Christopher Alexander

  • Executive Director, New York Office of Cannabis Management
Christopher Alexander, Executive Director, New York Office of Cannabis Management
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.

Amy Desjardins

  • Executive Director, Workforce Development Institute
Amy Desjardins, Executive Director, Workforce Development Institute
As Executive Director of the Workforce Development Institute (WDI), Amy Desjardins provides direction and leadership for her team on workforce development grant programs, services, and workforce supports. Before joining WDI, Amy served as Assistant to the President for Internal Operations at the New York State AFL-CIO.

Wasontiiosta George

  • Cultivation Technician, MedMen NY
Wasontiiosta George, Cultivation Technician, MedMen NY
Wasontiiosta “Wass” George has been working for 5 years in the Medical Cannabis Industry with Medmen NY as a Cultivation Technician. She leads the Propagation Program, handling the care, health and production planning of mom stock plants, cloning, and vegetative plants.

Norbert Pickett

  • Proprietor, President and CEO, Cannabliss
Norbert Pickett, Proprietor, President and CEO, DC Holistic Wellness
Norbert Pickett is the Proprietor, President and CEO of DC Holistic Wellness, dba Cannabliss, a Washington, DC, based Public Benefit Corporation that provides pharmaceutical grade cannabinoid therapies to patients.

Roberta Reardon

  • New York Department of Labor Commissioner
Roberta Reardon, New York Department of Labor Commissioner
Roberta Reardon became Commissioner of the Department of Labor in June 2016. Prior to that, she was President of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) from 2007-2012 and the founding Co-President of SAG-AFTRA, when the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) merged with AFTRA in 2012.

Esta R. Bigler, Esq.

  • Director, Labor and Employment Law Programs, ILR School
Esta Bio

Esta Bigler, Esq., is Director of Cornell University ILR’s Labor and Employment Law Program and Director of ILR's NYC Government and Community Relations.

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