Latino Cannabis Association Launches in New York

The Latino Cannabis Association (LCA) launched this week in New York aiming to support Latino licensees in the state and “secure representation” and “social and economic equity” for their members.

Jeffrey Garcia, the association’s president told the Albany Times-Union that he hopes to help cannabis license applicants navigate the state’s licensing process and the group will seek to “guide policy” and “promote sustainability.”

“The Latino community has been disproportionately impacted by the policies of prohibition,” Garcia said in a statement, “and now is our time to participate in the social and economic equity benefits of this new industry.”

Garcia was included on PoliticsNY and amNY Metro Cannabis Industry Power Players, where he is described as “a small business owner with over 15 years of experience in the service industry, including in a wine and coffee shop in the Bronx.” The profile outlined Garcia’s 20 years experience in law enforcement and his past role as president of the New York State Latino Restaurant, Bar, and Lounge Owners Association.

“The LCA membership is comprised of highly competitive licensee applicants for the new adult-use cannabis industry in New York. Further, we have formed a multi-dimensional coalition that is rich in major political and business leader support, while establishing a membership that is a diverse cross section of established entrepreneurs within the Latino community and legacy operators, all spanning a generational divide.” – The Latino Cannabis Association, via its website

The organization held its first event on March 1 and introduced its board and 25 founding members. In a press release, the organization said it is “committed to helping guide the cannabis business policy to construct a health market, bridge the gaps between vision, regulation, and realities, and promote sustainability and ways in which the regulated cannabis industry can bring real economic development to local communities.”