Areas of Practice
We have worked inside startups that scaled from being an idea on paper to being the largest multi-state cannabis businesses in the country. We know that startups in emerging industries need their team members to problem-solve, innovate, and execute across multiple functions with limited resources. We think of ourselves as utility knives with many tools at the ready. We have helped companies expand into new states, expand from medical to adult-use operations within a state, complete M&A transactions, and go public on the Canadian Securities Exchange. We have gained robust experience in government affairs (including government relations and policy at the federal, state, and local levels), regulatory compliance and approvals, zoning and land use, writing successfuand social impact/corporate social responsibility in the cannabis industry. We have a strong cannabis industry network where we live (Illinois, New York and Virginia) and the many other states where we have led MSO’s government affairs (OH, MN, NJ, PA, CT, RI, MD, NV and more). We welcome clients in all states with regulated cannabis programs, and we are prepared to assist your business in the following areas:
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· Deliver strategic advice based on understanding of cannabis and psychedelics laws, regulations and frameworks and ever-changing federal and state landscapes.
· Guide clients in preparation for the likely effects of rescheduling of cannabis to Schedule 3
· Educate and advise clients regarding federal and state laws and regulations
· Provide risk assessments regarding all aspects of cannabis business operations and transactions
· Counsel C-suite and board of directors on significant legal issues in the cannabis and psychedelics industries, including negotiating and navigating M&A
· Assist companies with the substance and submittal of competitive license applications
· Act as outside fractional general counsel to start-ups
· Act as independent board members or advisors for licensed cannabis companies
· Serve as an expert witness in litigation or liquidation proceedings
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· Develop strategies to help clients achieve their legislative, regulatory and policy goals
· Advocate to legislators, regulators and officials on federal, state, and municipal levels to support client and industry goals through all legislative and regulatory phases
· Work with internal teams and outside lobbyists and lawyers to achieve clients’ governmental objectives at federal, state and municipal levels, including full-service GR in engaging and managing on-the-ground lobbyists for state-specific issues
· Represent state cannabis trade organizations in dealings with regulators and legislators
· Participate in drafting and negotiating key legislation and regulations, including adult-use and medical-use statutes
· Manage ballot initiatives and other types of campaigns
· Advise on compliance with rules regarding political contributions
· Serve as a trusted resource for state regulators and legislators seeking to optimize their cannabis programs
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· Advise clients on ways to efficiently navigate regulatory requirements and obtain regulatory approvals
· Prepare requests for state regulatory approvals
· Manage regulatory compliance protocols and standard operating procedures for inspections and other regulatory compliance
· Act as primary point of contact with state cannabis regulators
· Conduct or help facilitate compliance audits
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· Develop creative and cost-effective solutions for clients as their business attorney and litigator
· Respond to government inquiries as needed
· Guide internal investigations
· Represent clients at mediations and settlement conferences
· Serve as an expert witness in litigation or insolvency proceedings
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· With a new Farm Bill, recent changes in state law on the legality of Delta 8 and hemp, and the anticipation of new cannabinoids hitting the market, we can help you stay within the laws while still pushing the envelope
· Advise companies on navigating state specific hemp-derived THC rules to maximize compliant revenue sources
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· Create innovative programs and develop best practices to demonstrate commitment to social equity
· Design and support the execution of CSR programs, including internal DEI training, hiring, and best practices throughout the enterprise and external community engagement strategies
· Support market-specific stakeholder mapping and engagement