Connecticut’s cannabis social equity group gets new executive director

The government body that manages social equity activity for Connecticut’s adult-use cannabis market, has a new executive director.

Brandon McGee, a former state representative who worked on Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont’s reelection in 2022, replaces Ginne-Rae Clay as leader of the Connecticut Social Equity Council (SEC), the Norwalk-based CT Insider reported.

Clay resigned in July as concerns mounted regarding funding distributions from the state’s marijuana social equity fund, according to the Hartford-headquartered CT Mirror.

The governor in June halted disbursements from the state’s $33.4 million social equity fund and ordered an audit after complaints from members of the state’s legislative Black and Puerto Rican Caucus and other stakeholders.

The complaints were prompted by criticisms regarding transparency and the selection process of recipients, local media outlets reported at the time.

The SEC was formed to lead social equity initiatives within Connecticut’s cannabis industry.

McGee, who was among three finalists, will start his new role Aug. 30, according to a news release.