Jessica F. Gonzalez
Jessica Gonzalez is an award-winning cannabis attorney, adjunct professor, advocate, consultant and international speaker. An Ecuadorian immigrant, Jessica has dedicated her career to uplifting communities harmed by cannabis prohibition through advocacy and education.
In 2020, Jessica led the social impact committee for NJ CAN 2020, the coalition that ran the most successful cannabis legalization campaign in the U.S. Through her advocacy work, she has helped shape cannabis policy on the statutory, regulatory, and municipal levels in New Jersey and has advised on social equity efforts in multiple states.
In 2021, Jessica made history with the first cannabis industry presentation to over 400 USPTO trademark examiners, further establishing her as a leading figure in cannabis policy and legal practice. As a cannabis attorney, she has assisted clients in navigating the legal cannabis industry in the areas of trademark, commercial transactions and state cannabis licensing applications for over five years.
Most recently, Jessica’s consulting company, Veridis Quo, was selected by the New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC) to serve as the inaugural consultant to develop and launch the New Jersey Cannabis Training Academy (NJCTA) underscoring her significant contributions to cannabis education. Understanding the importance of cannabis education, Jessica has taught cannabis history and policy courses at both Hudson County Community College and Rowan University at the graduate level.
She also serves as an executive board member of Supernova Women, a national nonprofit that supports small business owners of color in the cannabis economy. Jessica is also an alumnus of the New Jersey New Leaders Council, a national organization that selects civic leaders in their respective fields.
Jessica has been recognized as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People” in Cannabis by High Times Magazine, “Reformer of the Year” by Cannademix, “Top 40 under 40 Rising Stars” by Marijuana Venture Magazine and Cannabis Now Magazine, designated as a “Cannabis Law Trailblazer" by the National Law Journal and awarded “Community Game Changer of the Year” by NJ Cannabis Media. She's been quoted and featured in numerous media outlets such as New York Times, Rolling Stone, NJ Law Journal, MJBIZ Daily, Cheddar, and the Cannabis Business Times.
Regulatory Compliance
Cannabis Law
Intellectual Property
Boston University, BS Business Administration & Management
Suffolk Law School, JD, Cum Laude, Distinction in IP
New York State
New Jersey State
High Times "Top 100 Most Influential People in Cannabis."
Marijuana Venture Magazine "40 Under 40" Rising Stars in Cannabis.
Cannabis Now “40 Under 40 Power Players.”
National Law Journal "Cannabis Law Trailblazer."
NJ Cannabis Insider "Community Game Changer of the Year."
NJ State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce "Rising Star."
NJBIZ “Leaders of the Next Generation.”
NJBIZ “Power Law 50”
Cannademix “Reformer of the Year”
Compliance and Trademark Experience: 7 years representing national and international brands, securing state, federal and international trademark protection. Over 5 years representing state cannabis applicants helping clients win state cannabis licenses and become operational.
Innovative Legal Practice: Start-up law, regulatory compliance, due diligence, and enforcement and defense of trademark rights.
Nationally Recognized Cannabis Industry Attorney: Award winning attorney providing licensing and compliance guidance and up-to-date industry information for successful cannabis ventures.
Nationally Recognized Equity Advocate: Award winning cannabis advocate, championing legislative reform and public awareness to advance social justice and the rights and acceptance of the cannabis community.
International Public Speaker: A leading voice in the cannabis industry, having presented at more than 120 events worldwide. Jessica is a highly sought-after speaker at conferences, regulatory gatherings, and specialized forums, sharing her expertise on cannabis law, intellectual property law, policy, and social equity. Her engagements include the National Cannabis Festival, Expert Forum on Global Justice in Emerging Cannabis Markets, and AICPA & CIMA Cannabis Industry Conference.
Media Appearances: Featured and Quoted New York Times, Rolling Stone, American Bar Association, Benzinga, Marijuana Moment, NJ Law Journal, MJBIZ Daily, Cheddar, and the Cannabis Business Times.
Cannabis Industry Leadership: Executive Board Member, Supernova Women (Present); Chair of Social Equity CLE, International Cannabis Bar Association (past); Policy Committee Member; Minority Cannabis Business Association (past); Board Member, NJ NORML (past); Outside General Counsel, M4MM (past).
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