The first step to implementing Virginia’s commercial cannabis market is complete, and right on time: Governor Northam has named the very first appointees to the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority Board of Directors, the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Board, and the Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council.
Now that the Governor has filled the appointments, the real work is about to get underway. While license applications will not go live until July 2023, the Cannabis Control Authority is now officially in the process of developing regulations that are due next July.
Cannabis Control Authority Board of Directors
The Cannabis Control Authority is an independent body comprised of a Board of Directors, a CEO, and the Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council. The 5-member Board is the ultimate authority when it comes to the regulation, licensure, and enforcement of Virginia’s new cannabis industry.
The full extent of the Board’s powers is to be determined. Yet the Board does currently have the authority to grant, suspend, or revoke licenses, determine the demographic criteria for licensure applicants, license fees, regulations regarding the possession, sale, transport, distribution, and delivery of marijuana products, advertising and labelling, THC content, and the business hours and geographic density of retail stores.
Members serve for five years and may not serve more than two consecutive terms. Members of the Board of Directors cannot actively hold a cannabis license while serving the Board.
Governor Northam appointed:
- Neil Amin of Henrico, Chief Executive Officer, Shamin Hotels
- Michael Jerome Massie, Esq. of Portsmouth, Owner, Michael Jerome Massie, PC
- Bette Brand of Roanoke, Chief Executive Officer, Strategic Consulting LLC
- Rasheeda N. Creighton of Richmond, Co-Founder, The Jackson Ward Collective
- Shane Emmett of Midlothian, Co-Founder and Former Chief Executive Officer, Health Warrior
Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Board
The Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Board will address the impact of economic disinvestment, violence, and disproportionate policing in regards to marijuana by providing resources to support local and community-based solutions. The Board administers the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund that supports its programs, including scholarships for historically-marginalized persons, workforce development and mentorship, and re-entry services.
The Cannabis Control Act allows the Governor to select five appointees to the Board. The remaining eight non-legislative members will be selected by the General Assembly at a later date. Members serve four-year terms and may be reappointed. Additional information on this Board, including the seven ex-officio members, is available here.
Governor Northam appointed:
- Jorge Figueredo, MPP of Falls Church, Executive Director, Edu-Futuro
- Amari Harris of Richmond, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Attorney, Virginia Indigent Defense Commission
- W. Anthony West of Roanoke, Chief Operations Officer, Virginia CARES (Community Action Re-Entry System)
- Sheba Williams of Richmond, Executive Director, Nolef Turns, Inc.
- Vickie R. Williams-Cullins of Hampton, Executive Director, OPN-Door Communications LLC
Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council
Advisors to the Cannabis Control Authority’s Board of Directors, the Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council assesses and monitors public health issues, trends, and impacts related to marijuana and its legalization and may make recommendations to the Board regarding health warnings, safety and composition of retail marijuana products, and public health awareness.
Four appointees to the Council are chosen by the Governor, and the remaining 10 will be chosen by the General Assembly. Non-legislative members serve four-year terms and may be reappointed. Additional information on this Council, including the seven ex-officio members, is available here.
Governor Northam appointed:
- Ngiste Abebe of Richmond, Vice President of Public Policy, Columbia Care
- Larry Keen II of Petersburg, Associate Professor, College of Health and Natural Sciences, Department of Psychology, Virginia State University
- Cynthia Morrow, MD, MPH, of Roanoke, Health Director, Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts
- Marcus Treiber of Leesburg, Chief Executive Officer, EMT Holdings LLC
Access the Governor’s full press release on the appointments here.
For an overview of each of the regulatory bodies’ powers, duties, and qualifications, visit our website.
The power of the Cannabis Control Authority cannot be overstated; the regulations set by the Authority could determine not only who can apply for a license but the profitability of the industry itself. Gentry Locke Consulting offers a full suite of cannabis-related services to help you and your business get ready to enter Virginia’s new cannabis market when license applications go live on July 1, 2023.