State Director of Marijuana Coordination to launch consulting firm
The new firm will aid local and state governments with implementing marijuana legalization.
Andrew Freedman, director of Marijuana Coordination, will be transitioning out of Gov. John Hickenlooper’s administration and starting his own consulting firm that will advise local and state governments on implementing marijuana legalization.
Freedman took on the director role in 2014. He coordinated the state’s efforts to implement regulation of Colorado’s recreational and medical marijuana.
He also led a team that promoted public health, maintaining public safety with legal marijuana, and keeping marijuana out of the hands of children.
“Andrew Freedman has done a remarkable job shepherding Colorado through one of the great social experiments of this decade,” said Hickenlooper, in a statement.
“I think he has an invaluable expertise to support and assist other states as they work through issues of good government, public health, and public safety. I believe he can serve as a connection between these states so we can all share lessons learned and communicate effectively with the federal government.”
Hickenlooper’s first budget request included the Office of Marijuana Coordination be sunset by the end of the fiscal year.
“The office was intended to aid in the roll-out of a legalized system, and thereafter to allow departments to handle the long-term work,” a news release from the Governor’s office said. “Going forward, the responsibilities of the Director of Marijuana Coordination will be handled by the Governor’s Senior Deputy Legal Counsel, Mark Bolton.”
Freedman, who was also the campaign coordinator for Yes on 66 and former-Lieutenant Governor Joseph Garcia’s chief of staff, will remain on staff part time to aid during the transition.
