The CAC provides valuable insights to DCC’s development of regulations and standards through diverse member perspectives on consumer, community, and market issues. It serves as a platform for public discussions, fostering an innovative regulatory framework that promotes a safe, sustainable, and equitable cannabis market for all Californians. Learn about upcoming meetings and CAC updates on the CAC event page.
Carmela Beck
Cannabis Program Manager
Beck serves as the Cannabis Program Manager for the County of Santa Barbara and is a member of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE).
Matthew Broad
Legislative Advocate
Broad is a legislative advocate for several labor organizations including the California Teamsters Public Affairs Council and specializes in cannabis policy.
Avery Cohen
Facilities, HR and Compliance Manager
Cohen has worked in cultivation since the legalization of recreational cannabis, where he has overseen seed-to-plant grows as well as serving as a safety officer protecting the health of workers on site. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in public health.
Scott Vasterling
Founder & CEO
As founder of Humboldt Family Farms, Vasterling is involved in the cannabis journey from cultivation through distribution, including sales and retail teams.
Bonnie Halpern
Professor and Executive Director
Halpern is the founder and executive director of the Stanford REACH Lab and is professor of pediatrics at Stanford University. She is the President of the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM).
Kristin Heidelbach
Legislative Advocate
Heidelbach works for the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), specializing in protecting the health and safety of cannabis industry workers.
Diana Huynh
Outreach and Events Coordinator
Huynh works for Humble Root as their Community Outreach and Events Coordinator, engaging in activities promoting responsible cannabis consumption. She is a member of the Sacramento Cannabis Opportunity Reinvestment Equity (CORE) group.
Brandon Levine
CEO, Founder, Executive Director
Levine is President and CEO of Mercy Wellness of Cotati, Mercy Wellness Santa Rosa, and Fleuron, Inc, as well as President and Managing Partner of Doobie Nights.
Sarah Payan-Pehrson
Medical Use Advocate
Payan-Pehrson is a long-time cannabis advocate who currently runs the cannabis consultation company, Planted Agency. Payan-Pehrson also hosts the Planted with Sara Payan podcast.
Michael Polson
Associate Project Scientist
Polson is the Director of the UC Berkeley Cannabis Research Center. His research includes the study of the political economy of California cannabis with a particular focus on inequality.
Steven Ramirez
Corporal – Compliance Officer
Ramirez is a corporal in the Oxnard Police Department, Ramirez serves as a F.A.C.T. (firearms, alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco) Compliance officer, Ramirez has also served with the Oxnard Commission on Community Relations, Oxnard Boys and Girls Club, and other community organizations. He is currently a member of LULAC Oxnard, an organization that addresses civil rights issues in the community.
Andrew Smith
Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures
Smith is the Agricultural Commissioner for Sonoma County and is responsible for the regulation of agriculture, weights and measures, hemp and cannabis in the county. He also serves as an Agricultural Commissioner member of the CDFA Industry Hemp Advisory Board.
Paul Tupy
Deputy Division Chief
Tupy currently serves as the Deputy Division Chief of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Apply to be a member
DCC welcomes new members and accepts applications on an ongoing basis. If you would like to be considered, please send your completed CAC application and resume to cac@cannabis.ca.gov.
