Legal Expert in the Cannabis Industry Joins INCBA to Lead Global Advocacy and Education Efforts
San Francisco, CA – The International Cannabis Bar Association (INCBA) is pleased to announce and welcome Shahiedah Shabazz as its new Executive Director. Shahiedah joins INCBA after working as a municipal attorney in Southern California and as an Associate in top law firms, including at ArentFox Schiff LLP, where she was the firm’s cannabis regulatory expert and co-lead of the firmwide Cannabis Industry Group. With her 15-year career as an attorney, training in organizational leadership, and deep knowledge of the cannabis industry, Shahiedah brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to the organization.
In prior roles, she worked as a transactional attorney and regulatory attorney, helping cannabis operators obtain and maintain state and local licenses, respond to enforcement actions, and successfully complete mergers and acquisitions. She also regularly facilitated communication between private industry and government regulators, helping the two sides achieve mutually beneficial goals. Her interest in public private partnerships was inspired by a Congressional internship in the Senate Office of Barack Obama in 2005.
Shahiedah earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from Florida A&M University and her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, where she served as the Editor-in-Chief of the BlackLetter Law Journal. She has also earned a Master of Business Administration from Woodbury University and a post-graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Grant Writing from California State University, Dominguez Hills.
“We are beyond thrilled to have Shahiedah Shabazz join INCBA as our new Executive Director,” said Jason Horst, President of INCBA. “Her impressive legal career, particularly in the cannabis industry, makes her an ideal candidate to lead our organization and advocate for the interests of our members. We believe that Shahiedah’s thoughtful approach, proven dedication to everything that she does, and passionate commitment to cannabis reform and the INCBA community will be of great benefit to our members and help take the organization to the next level.”
Outside of her legal practice, Shahiedah serves on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Chicago. She was previously appointed by the Los Angeles City Council as a Commissioner for the Los Angeles Convention and Exhibition Center Authority. Committed to mentorship and diversity efforts, she has also volunteered countless hours to recruitment and internship programs with her prior employers.
“After spending significant time in public and private practice, I am honored and excited to serve as the Executive Director of the International Cannabis Bar Association,” said Shahiedah Shabazz. “INCBA is a very special community that plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape of the cannabis industry and supporting the professionals who work tirelessly within it. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, this is a particularly exciting time to be involved in INCBA and in cannabis law and policy, and I look forward to working with all of our stakeholders to advance our mission of promoting excellence, ethics, and professionalism in cannabis law.”
As INCBA’s Executive Director, Shahiedah will lead the organization in its efforts to provide education, networking opportunities, and advocacy for legal professionals involved in the cannabis industry. She will work closely with INCBA’s board of directors, members, and volunteers to advance the association’s goals and support its global network of cannabis lawyers. Shahiedah succeeds Christopher Davis, who had served in the role since 2017 before announcing his departure at INCBA’s Cannabis Law Institute last month.
About the International Cannabis Bar Association (INCBA):
The International Cannabis Bar Association (INCBA) is the leading professional organization dedicated to the practice, policy, and business aspects of cannabis law. With an international membership, INCBA provides a platform for attorneys, regulators, and industry leaders to collaborate, educate, and advocate for the highest standards of legal excellence in the cannabis industry.
