Norman Birenbaum is one of the country’s most experienced cannabis regulators and leading cannabis regulatory experts. Norman served as the chief cannabis regulator and policy advisor for the states of New York and Rhode Island. Norman also was the founding President of the Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA), an association whose members represent cannabis regulatory agencies from across the country. The Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA) is a national organization of cannabis regulators that provides policy makers and regulatory agencies with the resources to make informed decisions when considering whether and how to legalize and regulate cannabis.

As Director of Cannabis Programs in New York, Norman oversaw the regulation, administration, and policy development for New York State’s medical marijuana and industrial hemp industries and led the state’s efforts to legalize cannabis for adult-use. In this role he also oversaw the creation and implementation of a new regulatory structure for CBD and cannabinoid hemp derived products.

In Rhode Island, Norman established the Office of Cannabis Regulation (OCR), the country’s first cannabis regulatory office with consolidated authority over both hemp and marijuana licensees and products. At the OCR, 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.

Norman was also the founder and managing Director of Pear Tree Strategies, a consulting practice providing clients with regulatory analysis and strategic planning in the cannabis space. In this role, Norman advised numerous state governments on how to develop, structure, and implement their cannabis regulatory frameworks and policy reforms. Pear Tree Strategies also advised ancillary regulatory and financial compliance firms and other non-plant touching organizations on how to navigate the current cannabis regulatory landscape and prepare for changes in the future.

Before working in cannabis, Norman served on the staff of U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.