New York state’s Cannabis Control Board has a new chair after the sudden departure of its original leader.
The state Senate on Monday confirmed Jessica Garcia as the replacement for Tremaine Wright, who left the position last week, according to Spectrum News 1.
“Jessica Garcia has served on the Cannabis Control Board for over three years, helping to bolster an equitable cannabis industry in New York State, and meets all of the requirements to serve as chair,” Kassie White, spokesperson for Gov. Kathy Hochul, said in a statement.
Garcia has been a member of the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) since her 2021 appointment by Hochul.
According to Spectrum News 1, Wright said last month she wouldn’t leave her post even after Hochul eliminated a $229,000 annual salary budgeted for the CCB chair and said the role would be paid the same $260 stipend that other board members receive on days they attend meetings or events.
Hochul appointed Wright in 2021 to serve as the CCB’s chair.
“The state thanks Tremaine Wright for her service as chair over the past few years,” according to White’s statement.
Garcia is assistant to the president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, a national labor group that represents workers in the food-supply chain, non-food retail and health care.
She also serves as president of the board of the New York Committee for Occupational Safety & Health and is a member of the Safe Passage Project, an immigration legal services nonprofit.
