Editor’s note: This editorial was contributed by Jessica F. Gonzalez, Esq., Consultant for the New Jersey Business Action Center’s Cannabis Training Academy. According to the 2022 report, “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Cannabis Industry,” women holding executive positions in the cannabis industry grew by only a percentage point over the past year, to 23.1%. […]
Jessica Gonzalez is a cannabis attorney at Rudick Law Group and cannabis adjunct professor for Hudson County Community College and Rowan University. Most recently, Jessica's consulting firm Veridis Quo LLC was selected to help develop and launch the NJ Business Action Center's Cannabis Training Academy. An immigrant from Ecuador raised in Jersey City Heights, Jessica led the social impact committee for NJ CAN 2020, the coalition behind the most successful cannabis legalization campaign in the country. Through her advocacy work, Jessica has helped shape New Jersey's cannabis policy and as a cannabis attorney, Jessica helps clients navigate the legal cannabis industry in the areas of trademark and state licensing applications.