Cresco Labs (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), which has been paving the way in cannabis across major markets, including Ohio, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, recently deepened its bench by welcoming longtime trial lawyer Michele Roberts to its board of directors.

Roberts, who has been serving as Executive Director at the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) since 2014, became the first female — and the first person of color — on the board of the Chicago-based company. Previously she was with the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.

In March, the NBPA’s Executive Committee said it has begun searching for Roberts’ successor, while she changed course and ventured into the cannabis industry.

Roberts previously stated that she plans to work on “advancing Cresco Labs’ distinctive brands of high-quality products and services, particularly those focused on the promise held by medicinal cannabis to treat conditions and illnesses where more traditional protocols have not met the patients’ needs.”

Benzinga followed up with Roberts, who is known for advocating changes to the NBA’s marijuana policies. Here’s what she had to say.

BZ: What initially motivated you to enter the cannabis industry?

Roberts: I have, for several years, “stalked” new and emerging industries as both a matter of personal interest and because of the potential they offer communities who have historically had limited participation in established industries. Cannabis has had my…