N.Y.C. Cannabis Official Quits Amid Allegations of Misconduct

Dasheeda Dawson, previously assisting entrepreneurs in launching cannabis ventures in New York City, faced allegations of exerting pressure on a female entrepreneur to enter a romantic relationship as a precondition for securing a municipal contract.

Abrupt Resignation

Mrs. Dawson, who managed the Cannabis NYC initiative, unexpectedly resigned last Tuesday amidst an investigation by her department into claims that she sought to prompt a woman into a consensual polyamorous involvement in return for official city dealings.

Although she refuted the claims, Dawson declared her resignation as a personal choice, unrelated to the current controversy.

City’s Response

No successor has been named following her departure, and representatives from the mayor’s office have chosen not to publicly discuss the circumstances surrounding her resignation.

Chronology of Events

Ms. Dawson, age 46, acknowledged receiving notification of a grievance in July and indicated her cooperation with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigators persisted through September, though she lacked updates thereafter.

The grievance originated from Jamila Washington and Monifa Foluke, the partners behind Repot Box, an application aiding dispensaries to incentivize customers who recycle items such as used vape pens.

Allegations and Repercussions

During a conversation on Sunday, Ms. Washington accused Dawson of obstructing her business after dismissing Dawson’s romantic gestures, alleging Dawson used her position to exclude Repot from conferences and gatherings.