NY Cannabis Industry Stability Shaken by New Shakeup

Leadership Shake-Up at CANY

The Cannabis Association of New York (CANY) has recently undergone a significant leadership shake-up, with the resignation of four board members: Daniel Dolgin, David Falkowski, Jason Klimek, and Owen Martinetti. This wave of departures comes in the wake of a strategic shift under President Damien Cornwell, who has redirected the organization’s focus from advocacy to a more business-oriented, Chamber of Commerce-style model.

Mission Shift Sparks Resignations

President Damien Cornwell’s decision to transform CANY into a broader trade organization has triggered a significant restructuring within the association. The move away from its advocacy roots towards a business-centric approach has been met with resistance from some of its long-standing board members. Daniel Dolgin’s departure was planned prior to the recent changes, but the resignations of David Falkowski, Jason Klimek, and Owen Martinetti mark a more abrupt shift in the organization’s leadership.

Falkowski and Klimek, known for their commitment to policy issues, were particularly vocal about their concerns. Both had been deeply involved in shaping CANY’s policy positions and were reportedly unsettled by the organization’s new direction. Despite their departure from the board, Falkowski and Klimek intend to remain active in CANY’s Policy Committee, though they have expressed reservations about how the organization’s new focus may impact its advocacy efforts.

Future of CANY

With the exit of Dolgin, Martinetti, Falkowski, and Klimek, CANY is now in the process of seeking new board members who align with its evolved mission. The organization aims to represent the broader interests of New York’s cannabis industry, balancing business promotion with policy advocacy.

President Damien Cornwell remains optimistic about the future of CANY. “We are navigating a transformative period for CANY,” Cornwell stated. “Our goal is to build an organization that not only supports the business interests of the cannabis industry but also continues to advocate for meaningful policy changes.”

Cornwell’s vision for CANY involves establishing the organization as a key representative body for New York’s cannabis sector, with an emphasis on fostering business growth while maintaining a role in policy advocacy. The leadership changes represent a pivotal moment for CANY as it seeks to redefine its role within the industry and adapt to the evolving landscape of cannabis regulation and commerce.

The recent leadership changes at CANY underscore the dynamic nature of the cannabis industry and the challenges faced by organizations as they adapt to shifting priorities. As CANY moves forward with its new business-oriented approach, the search for new board members will be crucial in shaping the organization’s future and ensuring it continues to serve the diverse needs of New York’s cannabis community.