New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed John Kagia as the acting executive director of the state Office of Cannabis Management. Kagia, who previously served as policy director for the cannabis agency, has experience regulating medical marijuana, adult-use, and hemp programs. He has been praised for his understanding of the regulatory framework and commitment to small businesses. The New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association has welcomed the selection but said the state still has a lot of work to do to improve access, equity, and safety for patients.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed John Kagia to direct the state Office of Cannabis Management on Thursday. He’ll be the acting executive director until the State Senate confirms or denies the permanent position.
He called the promotion an extraordinary privilege. “New York has built the most exciting, equitable, innovative, and opportunity-rich cannabis market in the world,” Kagia said in a written statement included with Hochul’s announcement.
Kagia previously served as policy director for the cannabis agency, regulating medical marijuana, adult-use, and hemp programs. He joined the marijuana industry in 2014 as an analyst researching global markets. He has experience doing market research for the federal government, technology companies, and nonprofits.
OCM Executive Deputy Director Susan Filburn said he’s bringing deep institutional knowledge to the agency. She said, “I have great confidence in his ability to guide the agency forward and to continue delivering on our mission for the communities we serve.”
Hochul agreed that Kagia has the public and private sector experience to lead the office well.
The Empire Cannabis Manufacturers Alliance has supported Kagia for the job since the state’s last leadership search in 2024. ECMA President Mack Hueber praised his understanding of the regulatory framework and commitment to small businesses, saying the appointment maintains continuity in the industry.
The New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association also welcomed the selection on Thursday, citing Kagia’s years of experience in the OCM. But they said the state still has a lot of work to do to improve access, equity, and safety for patients.
Calling the state’s medical marijuana program long-faltering, the NYMCIA said in a statement, “We look forward to working with Executive Director Kagia [on] issues impacting participants in the program, strengthening the medical cannabis program for all New Yorkers.”
