Sparking Growth. Cultivating Change.

NYSCC: Building the Infrastructure for a Smarter, Fairer Cannabis Industry in New York

New York’s cannabis industry is evolving—and with it comes the need for infrastructure that’s equitable, community-centered, and built to last. At the forefront of this transformation is New York State Cannabis Connect (NYSCC): the go-to ecosystem where cannabis businesses, consumers, educators, and communities connect, learn, and thrive.

Founded in 2021, NYSCC was created to fill the critical gaps in the cannabis rollout across New York State—especially for the individuals and communities most harmed by prohibition. In just a few short years, NYSCC has emerged as a leader in education, workforce development, data access, and equity across the state’s cannabis landscape.^[1]

Workforce First

NYSCC proudly serves as New York’s cannabis workforce development team, helping individuals and communities prepare for and succeed in the legal market. Our mission is not just to place people in jobs—but to build long-term, sustainable career pathways.

In 2022, NYSCC became the first organization to partner with the NYS Department of Labor's CEED program to launch the Catch a Cont@ct Career Summits—a first-of-its-kind event series connecting cannabis employers, educators, and jobseekers in underserved areas.^[2] These summits have become a model for workforce engagement across the state and have helped hundreds of participants take their first step into the cannabis industry.

In addition to hosting events, NYSCC plays a key role in curriculum development—partnering with institutions like the Borough of Manhattan Community College (CUNY) and guiding colleges and training providers across New York.^[3] From cultivation to compliance, our workforce initiatives prepare individuals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive.

“I do this for my community,” says Tiffany Walters, CEO and Co-Founder of NYSCC. “I grew up in Rochester, NY, on Columbia Avenue. I know what it feels like to live in a highly policed, impoverished area. I want to rebuild my communities, restore justice, and show clear pathways to success.”

Tools to Support an Evolving Industry

NYSCC is also building tools that make the industry more transparent, informed, and accessible. Two of our most innovative resources are reshaping how people engage with cannabis in New York:

• The Cannadictionary, a New York-specific glossary, simplifies cannabis terminology for everyone—from curious consumers to seasoned professionals—making it easier to understand the language of the industry.
• The General Resource Access Map (GRAM) is a real-time, interactive platform that connects cannabis licensees, ancillary businesses, and support services. GRAM visualizes the cannabis ecosystem across New York, helping stakeholders identify opportunity, track growth, and access services they need to succeed.^[4]

These tools help reduce barriers, close knowledge gaps, and create real-time access to opportunity for people on all sides of the industry.

A Mission Rooted in Equity

Equity isn’t an afterthought at NYSCC—it’s our foundation. Every initiative we launch is built with the intention of restoring justice, creating access, and giving power back to communities historically excluded from the cannabis economy.

Whether we’re helping a licensee develop a business plan, connecting a community college to training resources, or working with policymakers to shape inclusive regulation, our work is always centered around community.

“It’s about building a fairer, smarter cannabis industry that serves everyone—especially those most impacted by criminalization,” says Jumaane Hughes, COO and Co-Founder of NYSCC.

Looking Ahead

As the cannabis industry matures, NYSCC remains committed to leading with purpose. From expanding workforce training and growing GRAM’s capabilities, to collaborating with public institutions and driving data-informed innovation—we are more than a resource.

We are the infrastructure behind a more equitable, connected, and sustainable cannabis economy in New York.

From community hubs to college campuses, and from new entrepreneurs to legacy operators, NYSCC is where cannabis meets community, innovation, and equity.