New York City cannabis chief Dasheeda Dawson abruptly resigns

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Dasheeda Dawson, a key administrator in the rollout of New York City’s adult-use cannabis retail program, abruptly resigned last week.

In a March 29 post on her LinkedIn page, the founding executive director of Cannabis NYC announced some rather vague plans in her next career move, while noting some of her top achievements, including expanding certain initiatives for entrepreneurs, industry career advancement, training and educational campaigns.

“My focus now shifts towards elevating my impact and influence within the cannabis industry on a broader scale, both at state and federal levels,” according to Dawson, who was among five women honored at MJBizCon in December for having broken barriers, driven innovation and shaped the future of cannabis business.

Her departure, first reported by Politico, has fallen under some scrutiny, with The New York Times reporting Monday that Dawson’s resignation came amid a city investigation of potential misconduct after a July 2024 complaint.

The newspaper, citing firsthand sources, alleges Dawson pressured a woman cannabis executive into a relationship in exchange for a city contract and then blacklisted the person’s app-development company after the advances were rebuffed.

Dawson denied the allegations, according to the Times.

As New York City’s first cannabis czar, Dawson was credited with championing the region and state’s novel social equity model.

The former cannabis regulator in Portland, Oregon, took her New York City position in October 2022, a few months before Housing Works became the state’s first adult-use retailer to open.

Dawson told Green Market Report she intends to stay in her role as chair of the Cannabis Regulators of Color Coalition.

She also has a cannabis education and lifestyle brand, The WeedHead & Co.

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