The cannabis industry is in a state of flux, with a number of key leadership changes and a major legal battle brewing in Massachusetts.
Maryland’s Cannabis Chief Resigns After Record Sales
Maryland’s transition to a legal adult-use cannabis market has been a success, with sales surpassing $1.1 billion in the first year. Will Tilburg, the state’s Cannabis Administration Director, has announced he will step down from his position on December 4, 2024, after six years of guiding the state’s cannabis policy. Tilburg emphasizes the importance of a smooth transition, stating, “What was really important for me was working with the administration so that this is a smooth transition. I want to make sure that this transition is right. I’ll figure out me after that.” Industry stakeholders have praised Tilburg for his dedication and expertise, noting his deep knowledge of the regulations and his willingness to listen to feedback.
Costly Legal Battle in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, a costly legal battle is unfolding between State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg and Shannon O’Brien, who was suspended as chair of the Cannabis Control Commission last year. O’Brien, originally appointed by Goldberg, has been fighting her suspension through court battles and confidential hearings, resulting in significant legal expenses for taxpayers, totaling nearly $750,000. The situation has prompted the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General, Jeffrey S. Shapiro, to call for a correction of the CCC’s governance structure, citing a lack of clear leadership hierarchy and defined responsibilities.
Leadership Changes Across the Industry
Beyond these major developments, there have been several other notable leadership changes across the cannabis and psychedelics industries:
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1933 Industries:
Rick Skeith has resigned from the board of directors.*
Cybin:
The company’s shareholders have elected new board members, including Theresa Firestone, Grant Froese, Paul Glavine, Eric Hoskins, Mark Lawson, Eric So, and George Tziras.*
MY Self Wellness:
Charles Patti, Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer, has joined the board of directors of Noonautics, a non-profit focused on exploring the potential of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT).*
Healing Realty Trust:
Valerie Cook has been appointed Director of Real Estate and Acquisitions.*
Ascend Wellness Holdings:
John Hartmann has stepped down as CEO, and Mark Cassebaum has resigned as CFO. Samuel Brill has been appointed as the new CEO, Francis Perullo as President, and Roman Nemchenko as CFO.*
Cannatrol:
Spencer Craig has assumed the role of Chief Operations Officer, and Chris Mapson is the new Vice President of Marketing.*
Diplomat Consulting:
Tyler Klimas, former Chief Cannabis Regulator for Nevada, has joined the company as a Senior Advisor, focusing on supporting the North American cannabis hospitality sector.These leadership changes highlight the dynamic and evolving nature of the cannabis industry. As the industry continues to grow and mature, it’s likely we’ll see more shifts in leadership as companies adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
