Damien Cornwell, President of The Cannabis Association of New York – Interview Series

Given that the New York cannabis industry isn’t even half a decade old yet, it would likely be very beneficial for this young industry if there were a dedicated organization for cannabis professionals from all sectors to meet and discuss current industry affairs and matters. Luckily for New York cannabis employees and business owners, The Cannabis Association of New York has quite a similar mission. For more understanding about the state of the New York cannabis industry and the organization’s objectives, mycannabis.com had the pleasure of speaking with Damien Cornwell, President of the Cannabis Association of New York and Founder of Just Breathe Dispensary.

What subjects did you study at SUNY Broome Community College, and how did those courses prepare you for entrepreneurship and business operations?

During my time in college, I aspired to pursue a career in law, with a particular interest in labor law. Consequently, I concentrated my coursework in junior college on liberal arts, psychology, and history to build a strong foundation for my future studies.

When it comes to the many facets of working in the cannabis industry, what lessons or skills did you learn while serving as the Regional Director for UPS in Binghamton that ended up being very transferable and useful for the cannabis industry?

I cannot overstate the impact my experiences at United Parcel Service (UPS ) had on my professional journey. I started my career as a package driver, immersing myself in the daily hustle and bustle of logistics. However, things took a turn when UPS workers went on strike just two years in. As a young employee, I felt a sense of disenfranchisement that led me to make a bold decision: I left the union and transitioned into management.

This brief but pivotal chapter in my career was crucial, as it allowed me to explore various facets of the business and gain a deep understanding of supply chain logistics in the transportation sector. Such insights have proven invaluable in my current venture in the cannabis industry, where relationships truly are the cornerstone of success. Effectiveness in this business hinges on the ability to get things done through people, and my time at UPS instilled in me the skills to navigate those dynamics adeptly. Ultimately, my experiences at United Parcel Service laid a solid foundation for my future endeavors in cannabis, equipping me with the knowledge and relationships needed to thrive.

What were some entrepreneurial endeavors you had before joining the cannabis industry? What were the most crucial lessons you learned through those experiences?

My life has taken quite a few unexpected turns, but at its core, everything I’ve pursued revolves around community and entrepreneurship. It’s no secret that I identify as a social entrepreneur. Over the years, I’ve dabbled in a variety of ventures—owning two restaurants, two bars, a radio station, and even a multimedia facility. On top of that, I had the privilege of serving as an adjunct professor and currently wear multiple hats as the President of the Cannabis Association of NY and the Director of Operations for the Broome County Urban League.

Each of these endeavors has held its own unique significance in my life, yet they all share a common thread: the drive to engage in meaningful work that serves my community. The idea of leaving the world better than I found it has become an exhilarating pursuit, almost addictive in its allure. I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to make a positive impact on the lives of others, and I look forward to continuing this journey of service and entrepreneurship.

How would you describe the overall importance of the Broome County Urban League’s work, and what are your regular duties as Director of Operations?

The Urban League is an organization that truly embodies the spirit of community investment. At its core, we believe that the best way to uplift our neighborhoods is to invest in our people, and that’s precisely what we do. With a robust daycare program, we support numerous single-parent households, providing them with the resources they need. Additionally, our various workforce initiatives focus on retraining individuals, helping them re-enter the job market and, in turn, alleviating some of the financial burden on our tax base.

Although the Urban League operates as a nonprofit, it runs with the efficiency of a for-profit business. Each program and initiative must be self-sustaining to ensure our long-term impact. As the Director of Operations, my role is to guarantee that our organization operates smoothly and intentionally. I focus on managing costs effectively and developing initiatives that help us serve our community while minimizing expenses. It’s an exciting challenge, and I’m passionate about making a real difference in the lives of those we serve!

What first caught your attention about working in the cannabis industry, and what was your experience with cannabis prior to legalization, which just recently became law in New York?

There are several factors that can touch the depths of the soul, and when I daydream about them, I often think of sports and music. However, I humorously believe that cannabis deserves a spot in that category as well. People from all walks of life find common ground through cannabis, which is what initially drew me to this industry. I’ve always felt that cannabis could serve as a foundation—a common denominator—through which we can inspire social change.

What was the CAURD process like for small cannabis business owners, and how extensive was it compared to the process licenses that large companies would hold?

I believe the application process is closely tied to a person’s business acumen, and I hope that makes sense! Essentially, if you have a solid history of managing businesses that navigate compliance, federal regulations, or work with entities like the Department of Health, the application process shouldn’t feel like an overwhelming challenge.

What truly complicates the CAURD process, however, are the delays caused by lawsuits and other hurdles that have set the industry back significantly. These setbacks have made things particularly tricky.

On the flip side, large companies often find themselves struggling not so much with the complexity of the application process, but rather with the hefty costs associated with entering the market. So, while the paperwork might not be the hardest part, the financial commitment can certainly be daunting!

What have been some highlights and accomplishments of operating Just Breathe, and what are some values of the store? How do those values translate into quality customer service and products, too?

Just Breathe stands out from most dispensaries because our number one priority is the community we serve. We’re passionate about giving back, whether it’s supporting veterans’ groups, childcare programs, the arts council, or various other initiatives.

What I’m most proud of, though, is our commitment to making our store a true community hub. We believe that Just Breathe and cannabis represent more than just products; they embody a lifestyle. It’s our hope that this vision becomes a legacy for us, one that fosters connection and enriches the lives of those around us.

How did you become President of the Cannabis Association of New York, and how does the organization help struggling NY cannabis businesses?

Just Breathe was the fourth licensed dispensary in New York and the third store to open statewide, making us the first in upstate New York. Along the way, I formed friendships with influential members of CANY—Dan Livingston, Joe Rossi, Kaelan Castetter, and Hal McCabe—who played a vital role in my early development in the industry. I believed wholeheartedly in their mission and the battles they were fighting. Eventually, I was invited to join the board.

At that time, I noticed that the retail side of CANY was somewhat underdeveloped, largely due to New York State’s slow pace in awarding licenses. So, in what turned out to be a longer journey than expected, I stepped into a leadership role and reimagined CANY to encompass the entire industry, rather than just its individual components.

I truly believe that CANY is on track to become the Chamber of Commerce that the cannabis industry deserves. Through partnerships, advocacy, and providing information and guidance, we aim to support upstart businesses and strengthen the industry. It’s an exciting time, and I’m thrilled to be part of this transformative movement!

Given your breadth of experience in the New York cannabis industry, what would you say are the most frequently occurring problems and setbacks in the industry, and how could these issues be remedied? Would the Office of Cannabis Management have to provide a solution to these issue,s or would those changes come from the New York State Legislature?

If only I could solve New York State’s cannabis issues in just two paragraphs! The truth is, I believe there’s a solid business plan and a vision for the cannabis industry here. The best way forward is to revisit those plans and make informed decisions based on real data. When I look at the current state of New York and the Office of Cannabis Management, it’s hard to ignore the host of challenges we face. One glaring issue is the absence of a new director. Without strong leadership to guide the organization and fulfill its mission as outlined in the MRTA, we’re at a standstill.

Moreover, there’s a troubling lack of accountability that’s truly disheartening. It seems like businesses that follow the law are being penalized, which only perpetuates a risky environment—ironically mirroring the unregulated market that has thrived for decades. To answer your question, it all starts with leadership. From there, it comes down to effective planning, accountability, and execution. It’s also important to note that I sense a lack of confidence from the state legislature in the Office of Cannabis Management. While this isn’t entirely the office’s fault, it stems from inadequate leadership and resources. We must address these foundational issues to create a thriving cannabis industry in New York.

What are some future plans for both CANY and Just Breathe? And how do you envision a federal rescheduling altering both the operations of CANY and the greater New York cannabis industry as a whole?

As I mentioned earlier, I believe the Cannabis Association of New York should continue to provide stability and leadership within the industry. We have a long road ahead, and many families and new businesses will need our support in the days to come. We’re committed to answering that call.

At Just Breathe, each day presents new challenges, but we stay motivated and engaged. This summer, we’re excited to host a golf tournament to raise funds for childcare programs in our community. We also have plans for a cornhole tournament in Binghamton, New York. And for those who don’t know, I’m a big motorcycle enthusiast, so we’ll be organizing a poker run to raise money for veterans. You can bet I’ll be joining that ride!

As for federal rescheduling of cannabis, I don’t anticipate it happening anytime soon. However, if it does, you can count on us to be at the forefront of shaping policy and regulations in the aftermath. There are certainly hurdles to navigate regarding federal rescheduling, but if it does come to pass, I guarantee we will do everything in our power to ensure our members in the cannabis industry reap the benefits.

Thank you for joining us, Damien! For more information on the Cannabis Association of New York, please visit it’s website.