Elliott was formally confirmed in a Senate Rules Committee hearing on March 30. She was appointed by California Governor Gavin Newsom on July 13, 2021, as the DCC’s first director.

RELATED: Gov. Newsom Calls For Cannabis Tax Reform, More Retail in Budget Proposal

According to a release from the DCC, Elliott has led cannabis policy development and implementation across California state and local government levels since 2017, just ahead of adult-use cannabis sales beginning in the state in 2018.

“From day one, Director Elliott hit the ground running, responsibly leading the newly created Department of Cannabis Control, building a strong organizational culture and team, and creating meaningful stakeholder engagement opportunities,” said Lourdes Castro Ramirez, secretary for California’s Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency. “With Director Elliott at the helm, California will continue to be a national leader, forging new pathways for innovation and strengthening cannabis regulation.”