Tremaine Wright to Continue Leading New York Cannabis Board Despite Salary Elimination

Tremaine Wright, Chair of New York’s Cannabis Control Board (CCB), has confirmed she will remain in her position even after the state eliminated her $229,000 annual salary in the recently adopted budget. Wright emphasized her commitment to the role, stating, “I didn’t take this job because there was a salary.”

The decision to remove Wright’s salary was part of a broader overhaul of the state’s cannabis regulatory framework, following challenges such as delayed licensing, litigation, and the proliferation of unlicensed dispensaries. While Wright has not faced direct criticism, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has undergone significant changes, including the departure of former Executive Director Chris Alexander.

Despite the salary cut, Wright’s continued leadership is seen as a stabilizing factor as New York works to refine its cannabis industry operations and address ongoing regulatory challenges.