Moving On

Governor John Hickenlooper announced on January 5 that Andrew Freedman will be stepping down as the state’s Director of Marijuana Coordination. Freedman is taking his invaluable knowledge and sharing it with emerging recreational and medical cannabis markets as part of his new cannabis consulting firm, Freedman & Koski, LLC.

Freedman has gained much praise for his work within the cannabis industry, much of which came directly from Governor Hickenlooper. “Andrew Freedman has done a remarkable job shepherding Colorado through one of the great social experiments of this decade,” Hickenlooper said. “I think he has an invaluable expertise to support and assist other states as they work through issues of good government, public health and public safety. I believe he can serve as a connection between these states so we can all share lessons learned and communicate effectively with the federal government.”

“Though I have often worked on some of the more divisive policies in Colorado politics, I have been amazed by the ability of Coloradans and this administration to come together to make sure we implement these policies in a way that benefits all of us.”

Although Freedman was not afraid to take credit for his work in Colorado’s cannabis industry, he also recognized the immense teamwork that made the industry more legitimate and safe over the years. “It has been an honor to work for the administration, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Governor these last six years,” Freedman said. “Though I have often worked on some of the more divisive policies in Colorado politics, I have been amazed by the ability of Coloradans and this administration to come together to make sure we implement these policies in a way that benefits all of us. The Governor and Colorado have taught me that good government matters, and I will forever be grateful for that lesson.”

Freedman & Koski, LLC is a unique firm that will serve as an advisor to both state and local governments as they work to regulate both medical and recreational cannabis industries. The company’s launch release on January 5, shared more about Freedman & Koski, LLC. “Freedman & Koski, LLC is a first-of-its-kind consulting firm founded by partners with hands on government experience effectively implementing voter-mandated legalized recreational and medical marijuana while protecting public health, maintaining public safety, and keeping marijuana out of the hands of children,” the release states. It continues to explain that 65 million people have access to either recreational or medical cannabis in the United Stats, and governments are in need of guidance in the best practices necessary to be successful.

This consulting firm will bring a lot of hands-on experience in the cannabis industry, and it isn’t only because Freedman is on board. The two other Co-Founders of Freedman & Koski, LLC are Lewis Koski and John Hudak. Koski is a Co-Founder and Partner of Freedman & Koski, LLC. He is a government executive who has had a hand in regulating legal cannabis industries in addition to regulating casino gambling, liquor enforcement, automobile industries and more. He most recently spent over six years working within the cannabis industry to develop rules and systems, one of which includes that he launched the first ever cannabis inventory tracking system.

Hudak is the Co-Founder and Senior Advisor who authored the book Marijuana: A Short History. Aside from his knowledge about cannabis, Hudak is also the Deputy Director at the Center for Effective Public Management. Together, these three men are set to bring better insight and direction to emerging cannabis industries. Freedman’s new business endeavor is demonstrates how Colorado’s recreational cannabis market will continue to help shape other cannabis industries across the nation and beyond.