Los Angeles’ first cannabis czar Cat Packer steps down

Michelle Garakian, assistant executive director of the Department of Cannabis Regulation, was appointed as interim executive director.

Cat Packer stepped down from her role as executive director of the Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulation (DCR), home to one of the largest, most challenging cannabis markets in the world. It is with gratitude that we thank her for her service as the city’s first “cannabis czar.” 

Packer served nearly five years, as the first person to assume the role of executive director of the DCR. The department is responsible for administering the cannabis licensing and regulatory program established by the Los Angeles City Council.