Former state Sen. Jen Metzger and Buffalo attorney Adam Perry are the appointments by the Democratic-led chambers of state Legislature to lead New York's cannabis control board.

The board will be tasked with overseeing New York's coming commercial cannabis industry and begin implementation of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, which was approved earlier this year by state lawmakers.

Perry, a partner at Hodgson Russ LLP, is the Assembly's appointment to the board.

“As we create the mechanisms and regulations around the new legal cannabis industry, it is critical that we have people involved that are committed to our communities and to ensuring that the industry serves the people of New York,” Speaker Carl Heastie said. “Adam W. Perry is deeply invested in New York’s communities, and will bring that dedication to his new role and be an asset to the Cannabis Control Board."

In the state Senate, Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins appointed Metzger, a former lawmaker who lost re-election last year in a Hudson Valley district to Republican Sen. Mike Martucci.

“She is a time-tested public servant whose skills will be crucial in addressing the many aspects of this legislation and ensuring that New Yorkers have the fair and equitable adult-use marijuana market they deserve," Stewart-Cousins said. "I look forward to her leadership during this historic process.”

The board is expected to roll out regulations, grant licenses and oversee permitting processes for the state's cannabis program, which is expected to become a multi-million-dollar industry in the coming years.

Former Assemblywoman Tremaine Wright was nominated by Gov. Kathy Hochul to chair the control board; the appointment was quickly confirmed by the state Senate during an extraordinary session of the Legislature.