United for Safe, Fair, and Trusted Cannabis
We are New York’s cannabis consumers.
We believe that cannabis enthusiasts should have the same rights and protections as consumers in any other legal market — access to safe products, fair prices, honest labeling, and clear recourse when something goes wrong.
Why We Exist
In New York State, there are two cannabis retail associations, among others, etc. But four years after legalization in New York State, there is no organization advocating for us – the cannabis consumer.
Since legalization, consumer needs have too often been ignored in favor of corporate or political interests. The Empire State Green Standard Alliance was formed to change that — to center the people who actually use cannabis in decisions about its regulation and availability.
Our Mission
To protect and empower cannabis consumers across New York State by advancing safety, education, and fair policy.
Our Vision:
We envision a New York where every cannabis consumer — resident, visitor or tourist — can trust that their cannabis products are safe, locally produced, and of the highest quality in the world. Our goal is a transparent, accountable cannabis marketplace that sets the national standard for consumer protection, industry fairness, and public confidence.
Our Founding Board Members
Herb Barbot
Chair
Herb Barbot is a seasoned public servant and policy leader, best known for his role as the inaugural Director of Operations at the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in establishing the operational framework for New York's cannabis regulatory agency following the enactment of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) in 2021. Herb is also the creator and host of the "Joint Session" podcast, which delves into the evolving landscape of cannabis policy, equity, and industry development in New York and beyond. The podcast features conversations with a diverse array of guests, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, and advocates, aiming to amplify underrepresented voices within the cannabis sector. He has served as Deputy Commissioner at the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles (2015–2022), Deputy Comptroller for NYC overseeing claims and lawsuits (2002–2008), and held senior legal and operational roles at the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development and the William F. Ryan Health Network.
Joseph Levey
Partner, Helbraun Levey
Joseph is a Founding Partner of the firm and oversees all New York State Liquor Authority and other licensing matters. Joseph also leads the firm’s Cannabis Group and all cannabis legal and licensing matters at the firm. Along with Cannabis, Joseph’s primary area of expertise is New York State Alcohol Beverage Control Law. He has extensive experience practicing before the New York State Liquor Authority with regard to various licensing and disciplinary matters. Joseph regularly attends local Community Board meetings on behalf of the firm’s clients and has developed a stellar reputation as a well-prepared and knowledgeable advocate. He proudly serves on the Executive Board of the New York State Restaurant Association, the Board of The American Institute of Food and Wine and he is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey.
Mark Wagner
Counsel, The West Firm
Mark specializes in general corporate law, providing comprehensive legal counsel to for-profit and not-for-profit entities, including financial institutions, private lenders, and borrowers, on a wide range of matters. His core areas of expertise include corporate governance, regulatory compliance, contract drafting and negotiation, financing, land use, and commercial litigation. Mark advises clients on complex financial transactions and mergers and acquisitions, offering strategic guidance in structuring and negotiating agreements such as asset and stock purchase agreements, loan and security agreements, mortgages, pledge agreements, corporate and personal guarantees, entity selection and formation, and due diligence. He is highly experienced in drafting and negotiating internal corporate documents, including shareholder, buy-sell, and operating agreements. Mark also handles various commercial contracts, including consulting, employment, distribution, intellectual property, licensing, purchase agreements, and commercial leases. In his litigation practice, Mark represents clients in federal and state courts, handling commercial disputes involving breach of contract, restrictive covenants, warranty claims, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) issues, and product defects. Leveraging his extensive legal and business background, Mark offers practical and creative solutions to resolve disputes efficiently and cost-effectively. Mark’s achievements have earned him numerous accolades. In 2018, 2019, and from 2021 to 2024, New York Super Lawyers for the Upstate area named him a Rising Star. In 2024, the Albany Business Review also recognized him as a 40 Under 40 honoree.
Chief Strategist
Joe Rossi
Chief Strategist
Joe Rossi is a veteran lobbyist and political strategist, and the founder of Modern Advocacy, a consulting firm specializing in government relations, regulatory strategy, and campaign management with a reputation of being a zealous advocate for his clients.
With nearly 20 years of experience in New York State politics, Joe Rossi has built a reputation for navigating complex policy terrain and driving real results. He led the Cannabis Practice Group at one of New York’s top ten lobbying firms and previously served as Assistant Director of Intergovernmental Affairs under then–Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. From 2018 to 2024, he also held the role of Vice Chair of the New York State Democratic Committee.
Joe Rossi is a recognized leader in New York’s cannabis movement, known for advising licensees, drafting legislation, and shaping regulatory policy at the highest levels. A pioneer in the state’s hemp industry, he played a key role in passing the landmark Hemp Extract Law of 2019 which was the nation’s first regulatory framework for hemp extracts following the 2018 Farm Bill. Joe was instrumental in the successful campaign to repeal and replace New York’s flawed THC potency tax and was an early whistleblower in 2024, exposing mismanagement within the Office of Cannabis Management and pushing for a full review of the November Queue. His impact has earned him recognition as a Cannabis Industry Power Player by Politics NY and AM New York Metro.
Whether he’s building coalitions or challenging broken systems, Joe brings clarity, conviction, and decades of frontline advocacy to every cause he takes on.