Jodi James is a respected speaker, teacher, debater, strategic planner, thought-leader, and mentor with more than 25 years of experience in cannabis policy. She began as a patient volunteer in 1996, bringing a decade of business experience to the movement to change marijuana laws. By 1998, she had a staff position with the Coalition Advocating Medical Marijuana (CAMM) while volunteering for the newly formed Florida Cannabis Action Network (FLCAN).
Jodi served as the Executive Director for the FLCAN from 2011-2019, overseeing the development of their four-prong platform. During her tenure, the organization put together the first marijuana bill in Florida since 1978, introduced and eventually passed the legislation removing hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, produced dozens of public education programs annually, helped patients earn medical necessity through the courts, and built a statewide constituency that influences lawmakers to this day. In addition to her work with FLCAN, Jodi spent three years with Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, an international speakers bureau of current and former law enforcement professionals.
Jodi has spoken at national conferences, including the National NORML conference, the Marijuana Policy Project conferences, Patients Out of Time Conferences on Cannabis Therapeutics; and international events including the Drug Policy Alliance and MENSA. In Florida, she has shared her humor, wisdom, and experience with audiences from the Panhandle to the Keys. In the spring of 2014, she shared the stage with Florida Sheriff Association President, Sheriff Judd, in a panel discussion regarding Amendment 2.
Jodi is the managing partner for McKinney James Works, a private consulting firm. Currently, she is serving as president of the Board of Directors while training a new generation to advocate for access to the Cannabis plant.
