NORMAN BIRENBAUM serves as a Senior Public Health Advisor within the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). In this role Norman acts as the center lead and advisor responsible for advancing efforts related to research and regulation of cannabis as part of CDER’s work in controlled substances. Norman is also a member of the FDA Cannabis Product Committee (CPC) where he leads a cross agency working group focused on cannabis policy and regulatory development in support of establishing a new regulatory pathway for hemp-derived products.

Prior to joining FDA Norman served as the chief cannabis regulator and policy official for the states of New York and Rhode Island. Norman was also the founding President of the Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA), an association whose members represent the primary cannabis regulatory agencies from across the country. CANNRA provides a forum for regulators to engage with each other and external stakeholders to identify and develop best practices and model policies. CANNRA also provides policy makers and regulatory agencies with the resources to make informed decisions when considering whether and how to legalize and regulate cannabis. 

In 2019 Norman was appointed as New York State’s first Director of Cannabis Programs. Norman oversaw the regulation, administration, and policy development for New York State’s medical marijuana and industrial hemp industries and lead the state’s efforts to legalize cannabis for adult-use. As Director, he also oversaw the creation and implementation of a new regulatory structure for CBD and cannabinoid hemp derived products which allowed them to be sold as a food, beverage, or dietary supplement within New York.   

Before joining New York State, Norman established the Rhode Island Office of Cannabis Regulation where he oversaw Rhode Island’s medical marijuana and industrial hemp programs and led Governor Gina Raimondo’s efforts to reform Rhode Island’s medical marijuana programs and legalize cannabis for adult use. Before working in cannabis, Norman served on the staffs of U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.