TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission has selected new leadership, electing Harris Laufer as chair and Jacqueline Ferraro as vice chair during its April 23 board meeting.
Laufer and Ferraro will lead the commission alongside fellow commissioners Amelia Mapp and Krista Nash as the agency continues overseeing the state’s cannabis industry.
“New Jersey has built a strong foundation for a safe, equitable cannabis market, and I am honored to step into this role at such a pivotal time,” said NJ-CRC Chair Harris Laufer. “As cannabis’ status evolves at the federal level, it is especially important that we remain engaged with stakeholders across the state—licensees, advocates, municipalities, and community leaders—to strengthen collaboration, support responsible business growth, and continue expanding opportunities for those historically left out of the industry.”
Ferraro said she plans to focus on maintaining a responsive and transparent regulatory framework.
“I am honored to serve as Vice Chair and to support the continued growth and success of New Jersey’s cannabis industry,” said NJ-CRC Vice Chair Jacqueline Ferraro. “Former Commissioners and staff built a strong foundation on which to expand, and I will work closely with my fellow Commissioners and the NJ-CRC staff to ensure our regulatory framework remains responsive, transparent, and supportive of responsible operators across the state.”
Acting Executive Director Chris Riggs said the commission will continue building on its progress as the industry evolves.
“The Commission has worked diligently to stand up a nationally recognized regulatory framework, and we are proud of that progress,” said NJ-CRC Acting Executive Director Chris Riggs. “We look forward to working with Chair Laufer and Vice Chair Ferraro to build on that momentum as we continue in our next phase of growth. Both are stepping into these roles at a time during the rescheduling of medical cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. We know there’s much work ahead, and our focus remains on delivering clear guidance, improving processes, and strengthening engagement with applicants, licensees, and communities across New Jersey.”
The commission is responsible for establishing and enforcing rules governing the licensing, cultivation, testing, sale and purchase of cannabis in New Jersey.
