Jacqueline Ferraro is an Advocate, Strategic Advisor, Founder, and connector in the cannabis industry. Ms. Ferraro entered the cannabis space in 2017, when it was wildly unpopular, as an advocate in policy and communications at the New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association (NJCIA). Ms. Ferraro was instrumental in spearheading several initiatives, including helping draft both the NJ expanded medical bill and adult-use legislation, and hosting trips for legislators to visit cannabis-friendly states to bridge the gap in a way that yielded meaningful progress in New Jersey’s medical and adult-use programs. Ms. Ferraro’s cannabis work spans the nation, advocating for best practices in several states such as New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, South Carolina, Tennessee, and more. She has spent time on Capitol Hill advocating for SAFE Banking Act. Ms. Ferraro previously served in the capacity of strategic advisor and government relations for 4Front Ventures.
In 2018, Ms. Ferraro founded Cannability, LLC, a cannabis government relations firm. With a comprehensive understanding of political landscapes, Ms. Ferraro excels in navigating the complexities of local and state processes. Her firm frequently collaborates with governing bodies throughout all levels of government in support of her clients. She works with clients throughout the supply chain to define, develop, and execute strategic plans for applying and operating as cannabis license holders, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and advocating for their interests at every level of government.
In 2019, Ms. Ferraro was named by Insider NJ on its Insider 100 Power Player list. In 2021, she was recognized on the Cannabis Power List, named one of the top 21 people to watch in 2021 by Cannabis Insider, and included in Insider NJ’s 2021 top 100 Policymakers. In 2022, Ms. Ferraro was included on Jay Lassiter’s Insider 100: Cannabis Power list.
In 2020, Ms. Ferraro co-founded the Cannabis Advisory Group (C.A.G), a women-led 100% volunteer-based 501 (c)(3) policy group, made up of cannabis professionals with expertise in cannabis policy, regulatory compliance, business, social justice, economics, science, and medicine. C.A.G. is united in the desire to maximize the context for legal access to cannabis, both in medical and adult-use markets. With decades of experience across a robust cross-section of industries, the group not only sees the vast potential of this emerging industry but also recognizes the challenges associated with an expanding market. C.A.G. focuses on sourcing “best practices” guidance from established cannabis-friendly states, industry operators, advocates, and thought leaders to provide to public sector stakeholders involved in legislation, rulemaking, regulation, and municipal decision-making. C.A.G. educates and advocates for the “why” of medical and adult-use cannabis and provides actionable perspectives on the “how” of the development of legal access to cannabis at the state and local levels. C.A.G. supports and has donated to several worthwhile causes throughout the northeast region.
Prior to entering the cannabis industry, Ms. Ferraro built a 20-year career in corporate America, working her way up from Account Executive to Senior Vice President of Sales in the light industrial staffing industry. Through hard work and perseverance, Ms. Ferraro successfully negotiated hundreds of millions of dollars in partnership agreements with Fortune 500 manufacturing facilities and distribution centers. Ms. Ferraro is accustomed to precise needs assessment, innovative solution building, extensive domestic travel, and fostering long-term professional relationships with CEOs, SVPs, and VPs. She holds a proven track record of building high-performing teams to exceed client expectations, generating results quickly, and surpassing goals across the board.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Ms. Ferraro proudly participates in various political campaigns to help strategize and GET OUT THE VOTE. Additionally, her experience includes implementing and executing strategic volunteer efforts, fundraising, and candidate branding. Ms. Ferraro’s business acumen, political awareness, and ability to establish long-term trusted relationships provide her broad range to effectively navigate through the cannabis space.
Ms. Ferraro is a member of several organizations such as National Cannabis Industry Association, Cannabis Association of New York, New Jersey Business Industry Association, to name a few. She has served as a moderator for several cannabis-focused panels, including the New Jersey Business Industry Association and the New Jersey Planning Conference – Cannabis: There’s No Place Like Home(rule) in both 2021 and 2023. In 2022, Ms. Ferraro was invited to speak at the nation’s largest annual cannabis conference, MJBizCon. She is often invited to speak on panels for noteworthy organizations such as the New Jersey Reentry Program and the Urban Mayors Conference held in Atlantic City, in addition to collaborating with thought leaders, advocates, and legislative leaders at local, state, and federal levels.