Dasheeda Dawson, a high-profile architect of New York City’s legal cannabis rollout, has abruptly stepped down, leaving behind unanswered questions and a program already under stress.
Her resignation, posted quietly on LinkedIn just before the weekend, may have seemed routine at first glance. But behind the scenes, there’s more going on. The New York Times reported Monday that Dawson’s exit follows an ongoing city investigation into allegations of misconduct tied to a complaint filed last July.
Sudden Exit, Vague Future
Dawson’s March 29 LinkedIn post carried the tone of a farewell victory lap. She celebrated her accomplishments—launching new training programs, promoting equity-focused entrepreneurship, and leading educational outreach as the city’s first-ever Cannabis NYC executive director.
“My focus now shifts towards elevating my impact and influence within the cannabis industry on a broader scale,” she wrote, without offering any specific plans.
The departure raised eyebrows immediately. There was no press conference, no official statement from the mayor’s office, no transition plan announced. Just that post—and silence from City Hall.
Behind the Curtain: Allegations and Investigation
The New York Times report dropped a bombshell: Dawson is under investigation by the city after a formal complaint accused her of coercive behavior toward a woman cannabis entrepreneur.
According to sources cited in the Times, Dawson allegedly pressured the woman into a romantic relationship, implying that a city contract might depend on it. When the advances were rejected, the woman’s app development firm was allegedly blacklisted from Cannabis NYC opportunities.
One sentence, heavy with implication.
Neither Dawson nor the city has directly addressed the allegations. A spokesperson for the city’s Department of Small Business Services, which oversees Cannabis NYC, declined to comment on personnel matters. Dawson has not responded publicly beyond her resignation post.
A Complicated Legacy
Dawson’s reputation wasn’t built overnight. She was one of the most visible leaders in New York’s push to center equity in its cannabis industry.
A Brooklyn native and former corporate exec, she took on the role in 2022 and immediately became a face of the city’s ambitious plans to use cannabis legalization as a tool for social justice. Under her leadership, Cannabis NYC offered training programs, grants, and events aimed at helping Black and Brown entrepreneurs enter an industry that has long excluded them.
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Her initiatives included:
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Cannabis NYC Industry Education series,
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Equity-centered small business support,
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The “Cannabis Conversations” outreach campaign,
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Career accelerator programs for locals.
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She also gained national recognition. Just a few months ago, Dawson was honored at MJBizCon in Las Vegas as one of five women shaping the future of the cannabis business.
That made her exit, and the allegations surrounding it, all the more jarring.
Trouble in the Program She Built
Even before Dawson stepped down, New York’s adult-use cannabis rollout wasn’t exactly smooth sailing.
Legal sales in the city have been slow to ramp up. As of early 2025, fewer than 50 licensed dispensaries are open in the five boroughs, while illegal smoke shops continue to thrive. The Office of Cannabis Management has struggled to enforce regulations, and there’s been frustration across the board—from entrepreneurs, landlords, and neighborhood groups alike.
A report published by the NYC Comptroller in February found that just 6% of equity applicants approved in 2023 had actually opened storefronts by the end of the year. Many cite delays in permitting, confusion about zoning, and limited access to startup capital.
The table below summarizes the latest figures from the New York Office of Cannabis Management:
| Category | Total Applications | Approved | Operational |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Dispensary Licenses | 1,487 | 324 | 47 |
| Cultivation Licenses | 816 | 193 | 92 |
| Processing Licenses | 502 | 115 | 71 |
| Delivery Licenses | 289 | 69 | 18 |
Fallout and Silence from City Hall
So far, the city has stayed tight-lipped. Mayor Eric Adams has not addressed the matter publicly, despite Dawson being one of the more visible appointees linked to his administration’s equity agenda.
Several advocacy groups have issued cautious statements, urging transparency but stopping short of condemning Dawson. The NYC Cannabis Industry Association said in an email statement that the allegations were “deeply concerning” and called for “a thorough and independent investigation.”
But others are angry.
“This isn’t just about one person’s alleged misconduct,” said a cannabis entrepreneur who requested anonymity. “This is about a leadership vacuum and a program that’s already been limping along.”
What’s Next for Cannabis NYC?
With Dawson gone, the city’s cannabis office finds itself at a crossroads.
The timing couldn’t be worse. A second wave of retail licenses is set to open later this spring. Legal operators are trying to compete with a flourishing black market. And trust in the equity promises of New York’s cannabis rollout is starting to crack.
Whether Dawson will stay involved in cannabis policy remains unclear. She has long advocated for stronger federal cannabis reform and hinted she may shift her focus to that arena.
But for now, the spotlight remains firmly on New York City—and the program she once led.