Jacqueline Ferraro is a trailblazing leader in the cannabis industry, combining her corporate expertise, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to advocacy to drive meaningful change. Known for her ability to navigate complex challenges with precision and passion, she empowers businesses and individuals to thrive while fostering progress and positive transformation in the industry. Ms. Ferraro’s strength lies not only in her strategic acumen but also in her exceptional relationship-building skills, which have earned her the trust of clients, partners, and stakeholders throughout the industry.
Ms. Ferraro began her cannabis journey in 2016 as an advocate during a time when the industry was still heavily stigmatized. As a passionate advocate for fair policy and communications at the New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association (NJCIA), she played a critical role in advancing pivotal initiatives, including the drafting of New Jersey’s expanded medical cannabis legislation and adult-use bill under Governor Murphy’s administration. Her advocacy has extended nationwide, influencing best practices across emerging markets. Ms. Ferraro has been a staunch champion of the SAFE Banking Act and the MORE Act on Capitol Hill, continuing to push for reform at the federal level.
Strategic Advisory
In 2018, Ms. Ferraro founded Cannability, LLC, a cannabis consulting and government affairs firm dedicated to helping businesses navigate the complexities of the industry. Collaborating with clients across various sectors and stages of growth, she offers B2B insights, fosters meaningful connections, and focuses on empowering businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive. Ms. Ferraro’s ability to cultivate strong, trusting relationships with clients has been key to her success, as she works closely with them to define, develop, and execute strategic plans for securing and operating cannabis licenses.
In early 2024, Ms. Ferraro joined Tier 9, a procurement firm specializing in providing shared services to cannabis operators of all sizes. She helps them navigate product launches, inventory
management, and operational success. Additionally, Ms. Ferraro was instrumental in the creation of Clique, a premium cannabis brand born from New Jersey roots. The brand combines fresh, locally sourced ingredients from New Jersey farms with the expertise of a Michelin-starred chef from Princeton, delivering a high-quality product that honors both the state’s agricultural heritage and culinary excellence.
Nonprofit Work
Ms. Ferraro co-founded the Cannabis Advisory Group (CAG), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, 100% volunteer-led policy organization. CAG consists of diverse professionals specializing in cannabis policy, compliance, social justice, science, and business. Through its annual golf outings and networking events, CAG has raised over $200,000, donating every dollar to impactful causes. The group provides legislators and public stakeholders with best-practice guidance from cannabis-friendly states, fostering informed, effective decision-making at both the state and local levels.
Awards and Recognition
Ms. Ferraro’s leadership has earned recognition across the industry:
- 2019: Insider NJ’s Top 100 Cannabis Power List
- 2019: Cannabis Insider’s Top 100
- 2021: Cannabis Insider’s Top 21 People to Watch
- 2022: Jay Lassiter’s Insider 100: Cannabis Power List
- A sought-after speaker and panelist, Ms. Ferraro has moderated and participated in panels for esteemed organizations, including the New Jersey Conference of Mayors (2022), New Jersey Business Industry Association (2019, 2024 – 10th Annual Women Business Leaders Forum), New Jersey Planning Conference (2021, 2023), Medgar Evers College (2023), and was one of the first New Jersey cannabis leaders to present at MJBizCon, 2022 – the nation’s largest cannabis conference.
Ms. Ferraro is a member of the National Cannabis Industry Association, Cannabis Association of New York, New Jersey Business Industry Association, and the New Jersey Cannabis Chamber of Commerce.
Political and Community Engagement
Ms. Ferraro has been engaged in political campaigns from a young age, contributing to congressional, mayoral, and local elections throughout her teenage and adult years. In addition to her political work, she has volunteered for organizations such as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Morristown Memorial Hospital, Montclair Film Festival, Habitat for Humanity, and served as President of the Saddle River Residents Club.
Corporate Career
Before fully transitioning into the cannabis industry in 2023, Ms. Ferraro built an impressive 20-year career in corporate America, rising from Account Executive to Senior Vice President of Sales in the light industrial staffing sector. She negotiated multi-million-dollar partnerships with Fortune 500 companies and led high-performing teams to consistently exceed client expectations. Her expertise in needs assessment, delivering innovative solutions, and cultivating lasting professional relationships based on trust has been integral to her continued success.
