Dasheeda Dawson, the cannabis chief for New York City, has unexpectedly resigned from her position. Her departure was announced on March 29 via a post on her LinkedIn page, where she hinted at future plans while highlighting her achievements in expanding initiatives for entrepreneurs and promoting educational campaigns within the cannabis industry.
In her post, Dawson expressed her desire to increase her influence in the cannabis sector at both state and federal levels. She was recognized for her contributions to the industry, having been one of five women honored at MJBizCon in December for breaking barriers and driving innovation in cannabis business.
However, her resignation has drawn scrutiny as The New York Times reported that it coincided with a city investigation into allegations of misconduct stemming from a complaint filed in July 2024. Sources indicated that Dawson pressured a woman cannabis executive into a relationship in exchange for a city contract and subsequently blacklisted the individual’s app-development company after being rejected. Dawson has denied these allegations.
Dawson served as New York City’s first cannabis czar after previously working as a cannabis regulator in Portland, Oregon. She took on her role in October 2022, just before Housing Works opened as the first adult-use retailer in the state. Despite her resignation, Dawson plans to remain involved in the cannabis community, including her role as chair of the Cannabis Regulators of Color Coalition and her work with her cannabis education and lifestyle brand, The WeedHead & Co.
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