New York Governor Kathy Hochul today appointed John Kagia to serve as Acting Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). Kagia will serve as Acting Director until confirmed by the Senate.
His appointment comes after the previous acting director, Felicia A.B. Reid, was was fired in December. Her removal likely stemmed from the OCM having to drop charges against a cannabis processor accused of operating a "reverse licensing" scheme.
“John Kagia holds several years of experience in both the public and private sectors and will be able to lead the OCM efficiently, while delivering for New Yorkers across the state,” said Governor Hochul in a statement. “Mr. Kagia embodies what it means to serve others, and I am confident that he will continue to use his talents to uplift our multibillion-dollar, equitable cannabis industry.”
“It is an extraordinary privilege to lead this program at this pivotal moment for our cannabis industry. New York has built the most exciting, equitable, innovative, and opportunity-rich cannabis market in the world, and I look forward to working with the Governor, the incredible staff at the Office, and with all our stakeholders to continue to grow our industry," said Kagia in a statement.
Kagia previously served as the Director of Policy at OCM where he led the team responsible for policy development and implementation for the medical, adult use and cannabinoid hemp programs, and managed the development of research systems in New York.
