Cannabis Education Advisory Panel

As cannabis legalization continues to evolve across New York State, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) remains committed to advancing youth-focused public health education rooted in evidence, equity, and science.

To ensure the quality and relevance of educational materials designed for young people and the parents and trusted adults in their lives, the OCM’s Health and Scientific Affairs Unit is convening the Cannabis Education Advisory Panel (CEAP). This statewide body of experts will advise on the development, review, and evaluation of youth-related cannabis education resources. CEAP will include members with deep expertise and lived experience in adolescent health and development, education, behavioral health, and community engagement, representing all regions of the state.  

Incorporating expert review builds legitimacy and trust across communities. As such, CEAP will serve as a cornerstone of OCM’s youth engagement strategy, helping to ensure that all materials are evidence informed and culturally responsive.  

Public health education initiatives are most effective, equitable, and trustworthy when informed by experts and community voices. Research shows that stakeholder engagement helps to:

• Enhance cultural competence and reduce stigma
• Improve the clarity, credibility, and impact of messages
• Reduce the risk of miscommunication or factual errors
• Build public trust in government-led initiatives 
   

By embedding CEAP into the material development process, OCM reinforces its commitment to transparency and inclusivity in public health education. 

The CEAP will:

• Provide expert guidance on youth-focused cannabis education materials, including messaging, tone, content accuracy, and evaluation.
• Ensure alignment with current public health research and best practices in adolescent development, substance use prevention, and health communication.
• Foster community trust through inclusive, representative participation.
• Support transparency and accountability in the creation of educational resources for young people and the adults who care for them. 
   

Meetings will be held monthly, and members are expected to remain actively engaged and willing to serve on the CEAP for up to 12 months. 

The application and selection process sought professionals and community members from a range of relevant backgrounds and prioritized diversity among Panel members to reflect the demographics of New York State. 

Fifteen (15) members from across the State have been selected to serve on the Panel. All members must demonstrate a commitment to advancing evidence-informed, culturally responsive, cannabis education tailored to meet the needs of New Yorkers and their families.

The Office recruited members in a manner that leveraged existing partnerships to ensure the Panel reflects the diversity of New York State’s communities and youth populations. CEAP will bring together a multidisciplinary group of experts and community representatives, including:

• Youth-serving practitioners
• Public health professionals
• Clinicians specializing in adolescent development
• Clinicians specializing in adolescent addiction services
• Educators and school-based staff
• Community-based service providers
• Academic researchers and prevention specialists
• Parent advocates with lived experience
• Faith-Based organization representatives
• Ex-officio representatives from state agencies (e.g., Department of Health, Office of Addiction Services and Supports, Office of Children and Family Services) 

Recommend Best Practices

• Explore and summarize relevant youth trends and community perspectives through discussion and review of available data and resources.
• Identify key topic areas for cannabis education aimed at young people and their support networks.
• Consider cultural and community-specific factors when shaping educational priorities.
• Recommend strategies to effectively engage and reach diverse youth populations.
   

Advise OCM on the Development of Educational Materials and Campaigns  

• Review and provide feedback on youth-focused educational materials and related campaign strategies.

Amanda Serrano  

Bishop Dr. H Bernard Alex  

Darryl Gaines Jr.  

Deborah A. Levine, LCSW  

Esther "Queen Mixxy" Lelievre  

Jeffrey L. Reynolds, Ph.D  

Jonathon Chaffee B.A.  

Joseph Dragone, Ph.D  

Logina Mostafa, MPH  

Mark Bobb-Semple  

Michael Mendoza, MD MPH, MS  

Miesha Marzell, PhD  

Nicholas Batson, M.D.  

Stephanie Campbell  

Tazmara Anderson MPH, CHES