Meet Cat Packer, Cannabis Czar of Los Angeles

Cat Packer has been named the first Executive Director of the Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulation, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garrett announced today.

The position and department were created by Measure M, which was overwhelmingly approved by Los Angeles voters earlier this year.

Packer, a former policy coordinator for the Drug Policy Alliance, has spent most of her career working on issues of cannabis reform.

“Taxing and regulating legal cannabis in Los Angeles will be a complex process — we need someone leading the effort who understands and can navigate those nuances,” said Mayor Garcetti in the announcement on his website. “Cat’s experience makes her an excellent fit for this new role. I am confident that her work will help us implement new regulations in a way that is fair and equitable for all of our communities, respects our neighborhoods and raises valuable new revenue for City services.”

City Council President Herb Wesson added his support, saying "Cat is a trailblazer with deep policy knowledge and enthusiasm who brings a refreshing energy to the City of Los Angeles. I am confident that the Department of Cannabis Regulation, under her leadership, will ensure Los Angeles continues to be a model for the nation in reasonably regulating this emerging industry.”

LA Cannabis Task Force Executive Director Ruben Honig also voiced his approval, ""Cat is a true leader, and today is a step forward for the city of Los Angeles and the entire cannabis industry. Thank you to Mayor Garcetti for this appointment. The [Los Angeles] cannabis industry is in great hands with Cat."

Image source: LA Weekly