Norman Birenbaum

Former Director

Cannabis Programs, New York State

See Norman speak on this panel

Norman Birenbaum is one of the country’s preeminent cannabis policy advisors and regulatory experts. Norman has served as the chief cannabis regulator and policy official for the states of New York and Rhode Island. Mr. Birenbaum was also the founding President of the Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA), an association whose members represent the primary cannabis regulatory agencies from across the country. CANNRA provides a forum for regulators to engage with each other and external stakeholders to identify and develop best practices and model policies. CANNRA also provides policy makers and regulatory agencies with the resources to make informed decisions when considering whether and how to legalize and regulate cannabis. 

In 2019 Norman was appointed as New York State’s first Director of Cannabis Programs. Norman oversaw the regulation, administration, and policy development for New York State’s medical marijuana and industrial hemp industries and lead the state’s efforts to legalize cannabis for adult-use. This work resulted in the passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) legalizing cannabis for adult-use and creating a consolidated Office of Cannabis Management to oversee all cannabis industry sectors within the state. Following passage of the MRTA, Norman oversaw the establishment of the Office of Cannabis Management and coordinated adult-use cannabis implementation across all state agencies. As Director, he also oversaw the creation and implementation of a new regulatory structure for CBD and cannabinoid hemp derived products which allowed them to be sold as a food, beverage, or dietary supplement within New York.    

Before joining New York State, Norman established the Rhode Island Office of Cannabis Regulation where he oversaw Rhode Island’s medical marijuana and industrial hemp programs and led Governor Gina Raimondo’s efforts to reform Rhode Island’s medical marijuana programs and legalize cannabis for adult use. Before working in cannabis, Norman served on the staffs of U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.

Norman now works on cannabis related issues within the U.S. federal government.