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Andrew Freedman

Executive DirectorCoalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation

San Francisco, CA

Member Since March 2022

Skills

Government
Policy
Fundraising

About

Andrew brings vast experience from his three years as the State of Colorado’s first Director of Cannabis Coordination. During this time, he developed distinctive experience effectively implementing voter-mandated legalized adult-use and medical cannabis while protecting public health, maintaining public safety, and keeping cannabis out of the hands of children. Andrew’s role in developing a successful operating model for cannabis regulation and stakeholder collaboration was identified as one of the reasons for the State of Colorado’s success in implementing adult-use cannabis legalization by the Brookings Institution. Governor Hickenlooper has gone so far as to praise Andrew’s work while on national television, stating, “Andrew Freedman, who came in and helped us once it was passed . . . [has] done a remarkable job of creating a regulatory framework.” Andrew has received national recognition for his leadership. Men's Health Magazine named him one of the 30 most influential health influencers of the last 30 years. He was recognized as one of Fast Company’s “100 Most Creative People in Business” in 2016. He has been featured on 60 Minutes, NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, Governing Magazine, and dozens of local stories throughout the nation and internationally. Andrew holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A. in philosophy and political science from Tufts University.

Published content

States’ Rights: The New Path Forward for Cannabis

article

With the introduction of the STATES Act, there is a tangible opportunity for Congress to navigate the evolving cannabis conversation strategically.

Empowering Veterans: The Case for Federal Cannabis Reform

article

Veterans fought for freedom, but those seeking medical cannabis face unfair treatment under current federal laws.

A Path Forward: Combating the Illicit Cannabis Market Through Federal Reform

article

The United States is in the midst of a transformative shift in its approach to cannabis.

New School Year, Same Concerns Around Underage Cannabis Use

article

Today, cannabis sale standards don’t allow the purchase of cannabis under the age of 21, resulting in America’s youth turning to the illicit market to buy and sell.

Let’s Prioritize Mental Health by Breaking Down Cannabis Barriers

article

In order to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of cannabis on mental health, we need a federal framework rooted in science that allows for more research to be conducted. 

Make Your Voice Heard On Cannabis Policy

article

How can you make your voice heard on this issue? Easy—the message starts at home.

Company details

Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation

Company bio

The mission of the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR) is to advance a comprehensive federal regulatory framework for cannabis. The coalition will be comprised of members that represent regulated industries, academics, think tanks, public safety officials, medical and mental health professionals, financial services firms, and social equity organizations, all of whom will work to develop policy and build a national conversation on the federal regulation of cannabis. Together this coalition will strive to be a trusted, science-driven resource for lawmakers and the larger stakeholder community as we collaborate to develop responsible policies that provide access to cannabis while protecting consumers and patients, barring underage use, upholding public health and safety, and promoting equity.

Industry

Business

Area of focus

Cannabis
Public Policy
Public Safety

Company size

2 - 10