Trailblazer in the Trenches: Jason Minard's Unyielding Crusade for New York’s Cannabis Industry

In the heart of Clintondale, NY, where apple trees stretch as far as the eye can see, Jason Minard learned the value of resilience. Among the rows of his family's orchard, he discovered that just as the trees must weather storms to bear fruit, so too must an industry face challenges to truly thrive. 'It's not just about surviving the storm,' Minard reflects, 'but about growing stronger because of it.' This philosophy has driven his relentless crusade to transform New York's cannabis industry, championing the rights and futures of its cultivators and processors.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the New York cannabis industry, one figure stands out as both a trailblazer in the trenches and a protector: Jason D. Minard, Esq. Born and raised on a family apple farm established in 1906 in Clintondale, NY, Minard has spent his life immersed in agriculture. He learned early the value of hard work and the challenges faced by American farmers, lessons that have fueled his relentless drive to shape and safeguard the burgeoning cannabis sector in New York.

Minard's journey into cannabis law began with the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized the cultivation of hemp and opened doors for CBD production. As a leading cannabis attorney, Minard has combined his agricultural heritage with his legal prowess to champion the rights of cultivators and processors who have built the New York cannabis industry from the ground up. He has been at the forefront, ensuring these pioneers remain viable operators amid the market's volatility.s

His philosophy is straightforward yet profound: "It's not about how hard you can hit, but how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much you can take and keep moving forward, that’s how winning is done." This mantra has guided Minard through countless legal challenges and advocacy efforts, including his pivotal role in the Cannabis Growers Showcase Initiative. When lawmakers hesitated, Minard, alongside allies like Castetter Cannabis Group, Senator Michelle Hinchey, and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, fought for the initiative's approval. This effort provided a vital lifeline for cultivators to monetize their crops amidst a slow retail rollout.

Minard's legal acumen was tested early on when the state threatened to ban hemp flower sales, a critical revenue stream in the saturated CBD market. He drafted litigation papers, and with strategic negotiation, convinced the state to relent without court intervention. This marked the first round in his ongoing battle to protect New York's cannabis farmers.

Currently serving as the General Counsel to Hepworth Pura LLC, Minard has been instrumental in aligning industry stakeholders and advancing legislative initiatives. When the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) became law, Minard was sought after for his insights into its complexities and spirit, presenting for NY Cannabis Insider and the National Cannabis Association.

Minard's expertise and leadership have also been highlighted through his appearances on CBS News. The first appearance celebrated the excitement of the adult-use cannabis industry's initial harvest. In a more challenging second appearance, Minard advocated for the Cannabis Growers Showcase Initiative, emphasizing the disparity between thriving illicit markets and struggling legal cultivators.

His advocacy extends beyond legal frameworks. Minard's engagement with Vegas promoters led to a groundbreaking New York Cannabis Awards Music Festival and Big Apple Growers’ Showcase at Minard's Family Farm. Against the odds, he organized the event in a mere two months, uniting over 23 license holders and 250 cannabis products, all under the charismatic hosting of rapper Redman.

Throughout these endeavors, Minard has remained grounded in the practical realities of farming. His fight to classify cannabis cultivation as an agricultural, rather than commercial, activity underscores his commitment to preserving the livelihoods of farmers who grow both cannabis and traditional crops.

Serving on the Board of Directors for the Empire Cannabis Manufacturers Alliance since February 2024, Minard has continued to influence policy and industry practices. His participation in Lobby Day at the Capitol was crucial in advancing the Cannabis Ag Crop Bill, a legislative milestone awaiting the Governor's signature—an essential step in recognizing cannabis as a crop and securing future protections for farmers.

Now, Minard is thrilled to announce the upcoming epic launch of the NY420 cannabis brand—a bold new venture poised for explosive growth. Uniquely positioned as a true New York cannabis brand, NY420 is crafted by New Yorkers for New Yorkers. Minard’s deep involvement in the industry, coupled with his keen eye for patterns and trends, has convinced him that now is the perfect time for NY420 to enter the market. With projections aiming for a $6 billion impact, NY420 is set to redefine what it means to be a staple of New York's cannabis scene.

Jason Minard exemplifies what it means to be a true trailblazer in the trenches of New York's cannabis industry. His relentless advocacy and strategic legal advocacy have fortified the path for the cultivators and processors who built this industry to thrive against all odds.