Trouble in Cannabis. Clay resigns as ED of Social Equity Council. Claims “unsubstantiated allegations, threats, and publicly leaked false narratives” marred final days.

“With a heavy heart,” Ginnie-Rae Clay has resigned as Executive Director of the Social Equity Council. Her last day on the job will be August 1st. She made her announcement by email Tuesday morning.

Clay makes serious claims in explaining her sudden decision. She wrote:

Regrettably, my final days in this role have been marred by unsubstantiated allegations, threats, and publicly leaked false narratives, all of which have unjustly called my character and integrity into question. Throughout life, one’s reputation is a cornerstone to be built and protected. To safeguard the reputation I have diligently cultivated, I find it necessary to conclude my tenure with the SEC at this juncture.

Concerns about the operation of the SEC prompted its board to halt making grants to eligible communities. The debate over that action revealed deep fractures among its members. The Office of the State Comptroller, at the request of Governor Ned Lamont, is conducting an audit of the cannabis program’s finances.

Earlier this year, Lamont appointed Andrea Comer to replace Paul O. Robertson as the head of the agency’s board.

Clay’s departure is not expected to be the conclusion of upheavals at SEC.

Published July 9, 2024.