New York City’s top cannabis official has unexpectedly resigned from her position, leaving behind questions about the circumstances of her departure.
The Resignation
Dasheeda Dawson, who served as the founding executive director of Cannabis NYC since its launch in 2022, announced her resignation last week through social media. As the city’s official “cannabis czar,” Dawson led efforts to help local entrepreneurs secure cannabis licenses and establish their businesses under the New York City Department of Small Business Services.
In her LinkedIn announcement, Dawson framed her departure as a career advancement, stating she was “transitioning to the next phase in my career” with plans to focus on “elevating my impact and influence within the cannabis industry on a broader scale, both at state and federal levels.”
A Successful Tenure?
Dawson highlighted her accomplishments during her two-and-a-half years leading Cannabis NYC:
“We’ve shared a common goal: to build a new cannabis market that is equitable, accessible, sustainable and safe,” she wrote. “Together, we have not only laid the groundwork for a thriving legal industry in New York City, but also, in 2.5 years we implemented groundbreaking and impactful initiatives that have set a new precedent for cannabis policy and practice nationwide.”
Before taking on the NYC role, Dawson had established her credentials as the top cannabis official for Portland, Oregon, bringing valuable experience to New York’s emerging market.
The Controversy
What initially appeared to be a straightforward career move gained new complexity when the New York Times reported on Monday that Dawson’s departure follows a months-long city investigation into sexual harassment allegations against her.
According to the Times report, the complaint was filed by Jamila Washington and Monifa Foluke. They alleged that Dawson blacklisted their company, Repot Box—a tech firm focused on improving recycling practices in the cannabis industry—after Washington refused what they characterized as a proposition for a polyamorous relationship.
City officials have reportedly been investigating these allegations since June of last year.
Dawson’s Response
Dawson has denied the allegations against her. In response to the Times story, she stated that her “decision to resign is unrelated and was not made lightly.”
What’s Next for Cannabis NYC?
The agency has not yet announced who will take over leadership following Dawson’s departure. Cannabis NYC plays a crucial role in the city’s efforts to build an equitable cannabis industry, particularly focused on supporting entrepreneurs from communities most impacted by past cannabis prohibition.
As New York’s legal cannabis market continues to develop, the leadership transition at Cannabis NYC will be closely watched by industry participants and advocates concerned about maintaining the program’s equity goals.
The resignation comes at a pivotal time for New York’s cannabis industry, which has faced various challenges in its rollout but remains committed to creating opportunities for small businesses and social equity applicants in what’s expected to become one of the nation’s largest cannabis markets.
