The International Cannabis Bar Association recently announced Shahiedah Shabazz will be taking on the role as the association’s executive director.
Shabazz was formerly a municipal attorney in Southern California and has previously worked as the cannabis regulatory expert for ArentFox Schiff LLP, where she co-led the firm’s cannabis industry group. During her 15 years as an attorney, Shabazz has trained in organizational leadership and garnered extensive knowledge of the cannabis industry.
“We are beyond thrilled to have Shahiedah Shabazz join INCBA as our new executive director,” INCBA president Jason Horst said in a press release. “Her impressive legal career, particularly in the cannabis industry, makes her an ideal candidate to lead our organization and advocate for the interests of our members. We believe that Shahiedah’s thoughtful approach, proven dedication to everything that she does, and passionate commitment to cannabis reform and the INCBA community will be of great benefit to our members and help take the organization to the next level.”
Shabazz is replacing Christopher Davis, the association’s executive director since 2017, after he announced his departure in June.
As executive director, Shabazz will direct the organization’s education, networking and industry advocacy efforts while also working with the association’s board of directors, members and volunteers on its internal goals.
“INCBA is a very special community that plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape of the cannabis industry and supporting the professionals who work tirelessly within it,” Shabazz said. “As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, this is a particularly exciting time to be involved in INCBA and in cannabis law and policy, and I look forward to working with all of our stakeholders to advance our mission of promoting excellence, ethics, and professionalism in cannabis law.”
Shabazz graduated from Harvard Law School, where she served as the editor-in-chief of the BlackLetter Law Journal. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from Woodbury University and a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from Florida A&M University.
— Patrick Wagner