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COLUMBUS - The Ohio Department of Commerce announced Thursday its first superintendent for the Division of Cannabis Control. James V. Canepa has been appointed to the new role, Ohio Department of Commerce Director Sherry Maxfield said.
The Division is poised to ensure safety and regulation of both medical and non-medical cannabis, which is now legal for consumers to possess in Ohio.
“Jim’s proven leadership and innovative approach make him the perfect choice to navigate this new area of retail and regulatory responsibility,” said Maxfield. "His diverse experience and impressive regulatory credentials will be instrumental in developing a non-medical cannabis program that aligns with the expectations of Ohioans."
Canepa has served for six years as the Superintendent of the Division of Liquor Control and provided oversight for Ohio Liquor. Under his recent leadership, the department modernized the state's liquor inventory control system and introduced retail innovations like barrel programs and bottle lotteries. In recent weeks, he has been advising the Medical Marijuana Control Program on rulemaking options related to Issue 2. Canepa's new role will be effective Jan. 1.
"I am humbled by the opportunity to implement a first-of-its-kind program for the state in a safe, responsible and efficient way," said Canepa. "I've been fortunate to spend years working within both law enforcement and the retail industry. Both experiences will be central to the work that has already begun in this area inside the Department of Commerce."
Canepa has served in various leadership roles in state government, including First Assistant Attorney General to the Ohio Attorney General, Chief Counsel for the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Deputy Inspector General with the Office of the Ohio Inspector General, and Chief of Staff and Legal Affairs for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
In most of these positions, Canepa had the opportunity to start up a new program or find solutions for long-running programs.
Canepa, a graduate of the Capital University Law School, began his career with the Franklin County, Ohio, Prosecutor's Office, where he served as an appellate prosecutor and a senior trial prosecutor. He worked on high profile and complicated cold cases within the county.
In addition, Greg McIlvaine, who has served as Policy Director for the Medical Marijuana Control Program for the past four years, will assume a leadership role within the newly created Division of Cannabis Control.
“Greg’s exceptional performance in his current role and his transition into another leadership position will help us develop a new division that Ohioans understand and trust," Maxfield added.
Deputy Superintendent of the Division of Liquor Control, Paul Kulwinski, will serve as the interim superintendent of that division. Kulwinski has been with DOLC since 2018.