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Empire State Green Standard Alliance to Host First-of-Its-Kind Cannabis Consumer Advocacy Booth, Announces 13 Days of Special Recognition

 For the first time ever, cannabis consumers will have a dedicated advocacy presence at the Great New York State Fair.

The Empire State Green Standard Alliance (GSA), New York’s statewide cannabis consumer advocacy organization, will host a booth throughout the 13-day Fair, giving New Yorkers an opportunity to learn about the state’s legal cannabis market, meet people helping shape the industry and join a growing movement dedicated to giving cannabis consumers a stronger voice in Albany.

Membership in GSA is free, and Fair attendees will be able to join directly at the booth.

“This is a historic moment for cannabis consumers in New York,” said Joe Rossi, Chief Strategist of the Empire State Green Standard Alliance. “Cannabis is legal in New York. It is part of our agricultural economy, it supports thousands of jobs and businesses, and millions of New Yorkers consume cannabis. Those consumers deserve an organized voice in the decisions being made about the future of this market. We are coming to the Great New York State Fair to build that voice.”

Throughout the Fair, GSA will provide consumer education focused on responsible consumption, legal products, New York-grown cannabis, home cultivation, product labeling, THC and CBD, and the importance of purchasing cannabis from licensed businesses.

GSA will also use each day of its historic Fair presence to recognize individuals and sectors that have played important roles in the development of New York’s cannabis marketplace.

GSA Special Days at the Great New York State Fair

Wednesday, August 26 — Governor Hochul Day Recognizing Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State’s continuing work to build and improve the legal cannabis marketplace.

Thursday, August 27 — Crystal Peoples-Stokes Day Recognizing Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes and her historic leadership in creating New York’s adult-use cannabis law.

Friday, August 28 — Liz Krueger Day Recognizing Senator Liz Krueger and her years of leadership on cannabis legalization and the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act.

Saturday, August 29 — Medical Cannabis Day Recognizing New York’s medical cannabis patients, caregivers, practitioners and medical cannabis program.

Sunday, August 30 — Dispensary Day Celebrating New York’s licensed cannabis retailers and the entrepreneurs building the consumer-facing legal marketplace.

Monday, August 31 — Cultivator Day Recognizing the New York farmers and cultivators growing cannabis across the state.

Tuesday, September 1 — Landon Dais Day Recognizing Assemblymember Landon Dais for his leadership on cannabis policy and consumer issues.

Wednesday, September 2 — Jeremy Cooney Day Recognizing Senator Jeremy Cooney and his leadership as Chair of the Senate Cannabis Subcommittee.

Thursday, September 3 — Donna Lupardo Day Recognizing Assemblymember Donna Lupardo and her longstanding leadership on cannabis, hemp and New York agriculture.

Friday, September 4 — Processor Day Celebrating the licensed processors turning New York-grown cannabis into the diverse products available to adult consumers.

Saturday, September 5 — Home Grow Day Celebrating New Yorkers’ legal right to cultivate cannabis at home and promoting responsible home cultivation.

Sunday, September 6 — OCM Appreciation Day Recognizing the public servants at the New York State Office of Cannabis Management working to administer and regulate the state’s cannabis marketplace.

Monday, September 7 — Workforce Day On Labor Day, recognizing the thousands of New Yorkers whose work powers the state’s growing legal cannabis economy.

Fairgoers can visit the Empire State Green Standard Alliance throughout the Great New York State Fair in the Horticulture Building.

About the Empire State Green Standard Alliance

The Empire State Green Standard Alliance is led by a distinguished board advancing consumer protection, education, and fair policy in New York’s cannabis market. Herb Barbot serves as Board Chair, drawing on his experience as the inaugural Director of Operations at the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. Joseph Levey, a Founding Partner at Helbraun Levey, oversees licensing and regulatory matters. Mark Wagner, Counsel at The West Firm, provides corporate and regulatory legal expertise. Linda Baldwin, former General Counsel to the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, brings deep institutional knowledge of cannabis regulation, enforcement, and consumer protection frameworks. And Tiffany Walters, CEO of New York State Cannabis Connect, contributes deep insight into workforce development, equity and community engagement. Joe Rossi serves as Chief Strategist, bringing more than 18 years of experience in New York State government relations.