Cannabis and Psychedelics Industry Leadership Changes: Maryland Cannabis Chief Resigns, Costly MA Legal Battle Continues, and More – Ascend Wellness Holdings (OTC:AAWH)

Maryland marijuana chief resigns amid record $1.1 billion in pot sales

Maryland transitioned to an adult-use marijuana market a little over a year ago. Led by the state’s director of marijuana administration, Is Tilburg, As a result of this change, legal marijuana sales in the state exceeded $1.1 billion in the first year after legalization.

In August, Maryland Matters reported that Tilburg, who spent six years working on state marijuana policy, announced his decision to resign from his position on Dec. 4, 2024.

“It was really important for me to work with the administration to make this transition smooth,” Tilburg said. “I want to make sure this transition is done properly. I’ll figure that out myself later.”

Industry representatives appreciated Tilburg’s commitment to the task.

“He did his job. I think that earned him respect” Jake Van Wingerden, owner of Cecil County-based SunMed Growers and chairman of the Maryland Wholesale Cannabis Trade Association board, said, “He knew his rules and his program inside and out. He listened to feedback.”

Also Read: Maryland Marijuana Sales Soar, Generating Over $14.6 Million in Revenue

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Costly Legal Battle at the Top: What’s Happening to Massachusetts’ Marijuana Regulator?

A costly legal battle is underway in Massachusetts between the state treasurer Deborah Goldberg AND Shannon O’Brien, who was suspended last year as chairman of the Cannabis Control Commission, is underway, the CommonWealth Beacon-News reported.

O’Brien, originally appointed by Goldberg, who spent nearly $750,000 of taxpayer money on legal fees, hired lawyers and challenged her suspension through a court battle and at least four confidential hearings that concluded in early July. Goldberg has been out of office for nearly two months.

Massachusetts Office of Inspector General, Jeffrey S. Shapiro, recently sent a letter to the state legislature calling for improvements to the CCC’s poor governance structure.

“The Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted a limited review of the CCC structure and determined that the agency’s charter does not provide a clear leadership hierarchy with defined duties and responsibilities,” the letter reads. “Over the past two years, CCC staff, including its commissioners, have spent significant time and money clarifying roles and responsibilities. As of the date of this letter, it does not appear that CCC, on its own, is any closer to resolving these issues.”

Also Read: Massachusetts Lawmakers Consider ‘Nuclear Option’ to Solve Cannabis Control Commission Crisis

Board Changes and Other Leadership Changes in Cannabis and Psychedelic Substances

Nevada-based hemp producer and grower 1933 Industry Inc. TGIFCHILDREN’S DAYstarted September by announcing Rick Skeith resigned from his position on the company’s management board with immediate effect.

Cybin Inc.’S CYBN (Cboe CA: CYBN) shareholders elected the following candidates to serve on the company’s board of directors at its annual general meeting:

• Teresa Firestone
• Grant Froese
• Paul Glavine
• Eric Hoskins
• Mark Lawson
• Eric So
• George Tziras

Brand Director and Co-Founder Karol Patti With MY well-being, ketamine clinic and pioneer in the field of psychedelic substances, has been appointed to the board of directors Noonautics, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness and dedicated to researching breakthroughs in the field of psychedelic substances made possible through the use of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT).

Healing Real Estate Fund, data-driven, self-managed real estate investment firm with a portfolio focused on acquiring healthcare-related real estate assets dedicated to the mental, behavioral and physical health sectors, as well as developing innovative and emerging psychedelic therapies, announced the appointment of Valerie Cook as Director of Real Estate and Acquisitions.

Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. Aaaah Aaaah ended August by announcing significant leadership changes as the company continues to align its operations with its long-term strategic goals and financial priorities. As part of this transformation, Jan Hartmann agreed to resign from his position as CEO of the company while Mark Cassebaum resigned from his position as CFO, effective immediately. In addition, the board of directors named Samuel Brill, a current director, as the new CEO. Francis Perullo, co-founder and current director, has been appointed president of the company, while Roman Nemchenko, previously chief accountant, has been appointed new financial director.

Cannatrol, creators of a one-of-a-kind complete drying, curing and storage system for the hemp industry recently said Spencer Craig decided to take up the position of Operations Director and Chris Mapson position of Vice President of Marketing.

Diplomatic consultations started cooperation with Leaf Street Strategiesand its director and founder, Tyler Klimas to expand support for the growing cannabis hospitality sector in North America. Klimas brings his experience as a former top regulator of Nevada’s multi-billion dollar cannabis industry to the senior advisory role. Kilmas helped launch Nevada’s first-of-its-kind cannabis lounge program.

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