Our CANY logo illustrated in green. The inner circle has an illustration of a plant inside it. The letters C, A, N, and Y sit outside that circle at 90 degree angles from each other. The outer circle sits just outside of the letters.

Damien Cornwell Interview: Shaping the Future of New York’s Cannabis Industry

Cannabis Association of New York President Damien Cornwell shared his insights on leadership, community, and the path forward for cannabis businesses in a wide-ranging interview with MyCannabis.

“The truth is, I believe there’s a solid business plan and vision for New York’s cannabis industry. However, we’re currently facing significant challenges, such as leadership gaps and accountability issues within the Office of Cannabis Management. To move forward, we must revisit our original strategies, leverage real data, and strengthen both leadership and execution.

At CANY, we’re dedicated to becoming the chamber of commerce that the cannabis industry deserves. By advocating for streamlined licensing, equitable funding, and fair market access, we aim to ensure every cannabis entrepreneur has the opportunity to succeed.”

[Read more on the CANY News Blog]

A man and a woman are in a cannabis greenhouse. The man has an apron on and is holding a tablet. The woman has a white labcoat, glasses and magnifying glass. Cannabis plants are in the foreground and background of the image.

BUILDING AN INDUSTRY

A prosperous legal cannabis industry should begin by bringing opportunity and generational wealth to thousands of small and midscale NYS businesses, not just a handful of massive corporations.

A man and a woman are in a cannabis greenhouse. The man has an apron on and is holding a tablet. The woman has a white labcoat, glasses and magnifying glass. Cannabis plants are in the foreground and background of the image.
A cannabis industry meeting in a small room with a panel of five men at the front and several audience members seated.

RESTORING COMMUNITIES

As the legal cannabis economy emerges, we need to implement new models that restore the environment and our communities, and repair the damage done by the war on drugs.

CANY President Allan Gandelman speaking at the NY Senate on behalf of the NYCGPA. Behind him are cannabis activists holding signs about the NYCGPA, THC in Healthcare and marijuana decriminalization.

GROWING A MOVEMENT

As we work to educate government officials and community leaders across NYS, we will ensure that our educational programming is accessible to both existing license-holders and aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs.

CANY President Allan Gandelman speaking at the NY Senate on behalf of the NYCGPA. Behind him are cannabis activists holding signs about the NYCGPA, THC in Healthcare and marijuana decriminalization.

This is How New York Grows.

OUR MISSION

The Cannabis Association of New York is dedicated to serving as the premier Chamber of
Commerce for the New York cannabis industry. Our mission is to promote the health and
sustainability of the entire cannabis ecosystem in New York, fostering responsible growth and
economic prosperity. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, we aim to create a
thriving and inclusive cannabis community that prioritizes the well-being of consumers,
businesses, and the environment. Together, we strive to shape a future where cannabis is
understood, respected, and integrated into the fabric of New York’s diverse economy.

WHO WE ARE

We are entrepreneurs who teamed up to build a cannabis industry in New York State that works for small and midscale businesses. As the cannabis industry matures in states across the country, we see familiar patterns emerge. Small and midscale operators are being squeezed out of the market while big industry players lobby for regulations that serve their interests over those of small businesses and consumers. We amplify the voices of our members and advocate for a cannabis industry in New York State with opportunity for thousands of entrepreneurs.

Members + Leadership
Graphic illustration of a cannabis leaf used to represent our Cultivator members. The background is medium green with a white illustration in the center.

Cultivator

Graphic illustration of a hand with a graphic 8-point star in the middle used to represent our Microbusiness members. The background is light blue with a white illustration in the center.

Microbusiness

Graphic illustration of a purchase tag used to represent our Retail members. The background is medium red-orange with a white illustration in the center.

Retail

Graphic illustration of a shopping bag used to represent our Delivery members. The background is dark purple with a white illustration in the center.

Delivery

Ancillary Business

Ancillary

Patron

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!

Join CANY and become part of an active and engaged community of cannabis businesses stretching across NYS.

Join Us
Graphic illustration of the state of NY, sectioned by county. The state is light grey with outlined counties in white with medium green pins marking locations throughout.

THANK YOU TO OUR PATRONS

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    Gold Patron

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