Joint Session: Diverse Voices in NYS Cannabis

In this episode of Joint Session, host Herb Barbot is joined by cannabis regulatory attorney and social equity advocate Toni Forge, founder of 4Leaf Consulting, and Whitney Beatty, founder of Josephine & Billie’s, Los Angeles’ first cannabis dispensary created by and for women of color. Drawing on California’s decade of experience with adult-use cannabis, Toni and Whitney examine what New York can learn as its own legal market matures. The conversation explores California’s persistent illicit market, high taxes and licensing costs, the challenges of dual state and local regulation, and why many licensed operators are struggling to survive despite the promise of legalization. They also take a hard look at social equity, discussing predatory investment, access to capital, technical assistance, and why simply awarding licenses is not enough to create sustainable businesses. Looking at New York’s progress, Toni and Whitney highlight where the state has successfully responded to operators while warning against repeating California’s mistakes. From enforcement and taxation to grants, interstate commerce, and the need for regulators to listen directly to operators, the episode offers a candid look at what it takes to build a legal cannabis market that actually works.

Joint Session: Diverse Voices in NYS Cannabis is produced by Herb Barbot, with executive production and marketing by Simlev Media.

Please contact us at herb.jointsession@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments, including topics to cover.

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