The New Jersey CannaBusiness Association is a non-profit trade association dedicated to promoting a responsible, sustainable, and inclusive cannabis industry.
Starting with advocacy for medical cannabis and patient’s rights, the NJCBA led efforts to end cannabis prohibition, establish a process for expungements, and put an end to outdated stigmas. Today, the NJCBA continues to work with State lawmakers and regulators to ensure there is a robust and responsible industry that creates jobs and supports the communities where we live and operate.
The NJCBA in Action
Legislative Advocacy
As the leading voice of the New Jersey cannabis industry, the NJCBA regularly testifies on legislation that impacts cannabis businesses. Working with State and local officials, the NJCBA is your voice in both the State House as well as your local town hall.
Policy Committees
The NJCBA pulls together subject matters experts to work on a multitude of topics impacting the cannabis industry. Whether the focus is on edibles or lab work or consumption lounges and a growing list of policy issues, the NJCBA develops detailed policy statements and works with State and Federal regulators on behalf of its members.
Monthly events
Without question, one of the most exciting activities the NJCBA engages in is its networking events. From hosting multi-day workshops and panel discussion to monthly gatherings of cannabis professionals, the NJCBA focuses on bringing the industry together to collaborate, learn, and have a little fun.
Advancement
Get a Return on Your Investment – Become a Member Today!
Membership has its privileges. You’ve invested heavily in yourself and your company, allow the NJCBA to be your voice, your advocate, and your number one fan in an ever-growing industry. You’ll enjoy exclusive member benefits and discounts while knowing you’re helping to protect and grow New Jersey’s exciting new cannabis industry.
Meet the NJCBA Leadership Team
Edmund DeVeaux
Board Member
Edmund DeVeaux
Marianne Bays, Ph.D.
Vice President
Marianne Bays, Ph.D.
Dr. Marianne Baysis a cannabis industry business consultant, analyst and entrepreneur and a lifetime resident of New Jersey. She has been studying and working in the cannabis industry since 2008. She has been the lead consultant on cannabis business license application projects in 8 states, and the District of Columbia, helping to win licenses for her clients in 6 of these locations, including one of the initial 10 licenses granted in New York State. She was a founding operations member of Kalyx Development, a real estate investment trust in the cannabis industry, and also a Managing Director of Mingleridge Business Resources, LLC, providing consulting services to the industry.
In 2017, Dr. Bays began the establishment of a cannabis contract manufacturing business, targeting MA and NJ as states in which to obtain licenses and establish operations as the foundation of a regional business called Northeast Corridor Provisions. A business plan and business partnerships have been established and launch is expected by 2023.
Marianne has over 20 years of previous experience working as a management consultant with Fortune 2000 businesses and government agencies on process, performance and structure improvement. She was also previouslyan Assistant Professor of Management at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ. She has managed an independent organizational consultancy for much of her career, working in industry and government. She holds a PhD in Business –Organization and Policy Studies from CUNY Graduate Center in NYC.
Dr. Bays is a founding Board Member of the New Jersey CannaBusiness Association, its past Policy Committee Chair and its current Vice President. She isalso the Chair of its Higher Education Committee. In this latter capacity, she has worked with NJ colleges to develop curricula and programs related to careers in the cannabis industry, including launching and running the first two New Jersey Cannabis Career Fair & Business Expos in 2019 and 2020.
Robert Cressen
Secretary
Robert Cressen
Rob is a former Iron Man competitor and triathlete who competed at the highest levels. He also developed and led multiple political campaigns at the state and local level. After an severe accident and a resulting debilitating disease, which requires him to maneuver through the use of a wheelchair, Rob is now an outspoken champion of the benefits of medicinal cannabis while also espousing the dangers of opioids.
Rob’s passionate testimony and public comments on cannabis has been viewed more than a million times on social media.
Felice Twaddle
Treasurer
Felice-Twaddle
Scott Rudder
Founder & President
Scott Rudder
Bill Caruso
General Counsel
Bill Caruso
Tara “Misu” Sargente
Board of Directors
Tara “Misu” Sargente
Tara “Misu” Sargente is the owner of Blazin’ Bakery, the first legal, woman-owned edibles company in New Jersey. At Blazin’ Bakery, Tara optimizes brownie mixes so anyone can make potent DIY edibles at home with no experience needed. Her products are sold in more than 1,000 shops nationally. With close to a decade of cannabis industry experience, Tara applies her deep knowledge base and professional experience to help advance New Jersey’s cannabis industry.
Faye Coleman
Board Member
Faye Coleman
Faye Coleman is the co-founder and CEO of Pure Genesis, LLC (PG), a woman and minority-based (certified MWBE) cannabis business.
As a respected team builder. Faye has assembled a phenomenal leadership team, medical and community advisory board with more than 200 years of combined experience within the top Fortune 50 companies. These amazing teams effectively serve and assist Faye as she succeeds within the emerging cannabis industry.
Faye’s entrepreneurial spirit is also realized throughout the launch of her multi-state hemp operation and cannabis data analytics businesses, centralized around health improvement products and research in partnership with Rowan University. In addition, Faye has set in motion a consulting arm of the cannabis business, which supports closing the education gap regarding cannabis through the “Now You Know” workshop. Faye has partnered with the NAACP, Women Grow, and serves on the Governor’s Council for legalization with a focus on social justice. Previously, Faye has served as a Board of Trustee for Lourdes Health System, Board Member for the African American Chamber of Commerce New Jersey, and as an Advisory Board Member for St. Joseph’s University Executive Education program.
Marshall Ogen
Strategic Advisor
Marshall Ogen
Michael Turner
Strategic Advisor
Michael Turner
Shergoh Alkilani
Board Member
Shergoh Alkilani
Nico Zitelli
Board Member
Nico Zitelli
Nicholas J. Zitelli is currently the CEO of Applied Cannabis Sciences (ACS) of New Jersey, a group that carries over a dozen MMJ licenses across several states in the U.S.
In addition, Mr. Zitelli is part owner, Director, and Chief Cannabis Officer of Trans High Corporation, the parent company for all High Times brands, including all media and event platforms. Writing under the pen name Nico Escondido since 2007, Mr. Zitelli has penned hundreds of articles relating to the cultivation, science, and technologies involved with the cannabis plant.
Thomas Coughlin
Board Member
Thomas Coughlin
Hector Corchado
Board Member
Hector Corchado
Maggie Moran
Strategic Advisor
Maggie Moran
Jenna-Rae Russo
Executive Director
Jenna-Rae Russo
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