FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2020
CONTACT
Jeanne Moran
jmoran@forbes-tate.com
202-638-0125
LEGAL CANNABIS STRATEGIST ANDREW FREEDMAN JOINS FORBES TATE PARTNERS
FTP Expands Cannabis Practice with Addition of Nation’s First Cannabis Czar
WASHINGTON – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) today announced the addition of Andrew Freedman to its growing bipartisan public affairs and lobbying firm. Freedman joins the firm’s public affairs team as they formalize and expand their bipartisan cannabis practice, bringing with him multiple clients with interests in the cannabis industry.
“As more and more states legalize cannabis, it’s just a matter of time before we see action from the federal government. Forbes Tate Partners will continue to be at the forefront of navigating state and federal policy debates on behalf of clients impacted by this expanding industry,” said Founding Partner Jeff Forbes. “When we were looking to bring someone on to lead our new cannabis practice, the first person we thought of was Andrew. Having worked with industry and government, Andrew’s expertise and unique background will help our clients navigate this new space. We’re thrilled to have him join our growing team.”
Freedman served as the nation’s first cannabis czar in Colorado under then Governor John Hickenlooper from 2013 to 2017. In this role, he developed and implemented the country’s first legal cannabis program and paved the way for Colorado’s massive adult-use and medical cannabis industry. After serving in Colorado, Freedman co-founded Freedman & Koski, a consulting firm that helps governments craft successful cannabis policy. Through that work, Freedman has advised the development of cannabis legislation and execution of cannabis regulations for numerous countries, states, counties, and cities. Most recently, Freedman became a partner at Caldwell Capital, a venture capital firm that funds and advises cannabis companies that will define the new cannabis economy.
“The cannabis legalization landscape continues to evolve at a rapid rate. Every day, more companies are capitalizing on opportunities to both directly and indirectly engage with the cannabis industry,” said Freedman. “I’m passionate about advising clients on how to navigate this complex, new regulatory space, setting them up for success not just within the next year, but for the next ten years. FTP is known for helping clients achieve their near-term goals while also positioning them successfully in the long-term. I’m excited to set up shop at Forbes Tate to help our clients effectively position themselves in a dynamic policy and commercial environment.”
Freedman has been credited by both the Brookings Institution and Governor Hickenlooper as being one of the main reasons Colorado successfully legalized cannabis. Andrew Freedman holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A. in philosophy and political science from Tufts University.
About Forbes Tate Partners:
Forbes Tate Partners is a bipartisan, integrated full-service public affairs consultancy specializing in government relations, communications, grassroots advocacy and third-party coordination, coalition management, and business development. The firm develops and implements strategies and campaigns related to tax, health care, financial services, trade, energy, telecommunications, appropriations, outdoor recreation and natural resource management, and agriculture. Longtime strategists Jeff Forbes and Dan Tate, Jr. founded the firm in 2012.