New York’s Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act’s Impact on Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

Originally held on Thursday, October 28, 2021 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Program Co-Chair:
Joam Alisme
Alisme Law LLC

Program Co-Chair:
Alana M. Hans-Cohen
Capehart Scatchard and Cannabis Advisory Group

  • Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (“MRTA”) on March 31, 2021. Some provisions of the MRTA took effect immediately, while others will take effect in 2022 and beyond. While the passing of the statute was met with near-universal approbation, the nature of the MRTA’s impact on certain segments of the state’s economy is yet to be determined. Governor Kathy Hochul’s ascension to the state’s governorship also plays a key role in how certain provisions of the MRTA will be implemented. Join our esteemed panelists to discuss the practical effects of the MRTA and its broader impact on small businesses and entrepreneurs going forward.

    Program Fee:
    $89 for Members | $189 for Nonmembers

    Members who are Recent Law Graduates, Newly Admitted Lawyers (admitted for the first time in any state or country 2019-2021), In-House/Corporate Counsel, Judges, and attorney members who practice within the Government, Academic or Not-for-Profit sectors attend this program for free.

  • Panelists:

    Alana M. Hans-Cohen
    Capehart Scatchard and Cannabis Advisory Group

    Cristina Buccola
    Cristina Buccola Counsel PLLC

    Lauren A. Rudick
    Hiller PC

    Chirali V. Patel
    Pashman Stein Walder Hayden PC and Blaze Responsibly

  • 6:00 pm – 6:10 pm

    Introductory remarks and overview of the statute

    • Where are we now?
      • The Current Status of the Cannabis Control Board and the Office of Cannabis Management
      • o The Issuance of Rules, Regulations, and Application Procedures: General Timelines
    • How did we get here?

    6:10 pm – 6:40 pm

    MRTA Immediate Effects and Their Implications:

    • License Classes and Types
    • License Restrictions

    6:40 pm – 7:20 pm

    MRTA’s Upcoming Changes and Their Implications:

    • What can we do as lawyers to help our clients entering the industry?
      • Application Prep
        • Applications Gone Wrong: Lawsuits Around the Country
          • Merit Based Application System
          • Malpractice
        • Business Structuring
          • IP Protections
        • Cannabis Business Compliance
          • Regulatory Compliance
        • Ways to Raise “Ethical” Capital
        • Franchising Availability?
      • Employer/Employee Relations
      • Local Control
        • Municipal Support
        • Property Locations and Zoning
      • Home cultivation
      • Social Equity Provisions
        • What they mean

    7:20 pm – 7:30 pm

    Questions and Answers

  • New York: 1.5 Professional Practice
    New Jersey: 1.6 General
    California: 1.0 General
    Pennsylvania: 1.0 General

  • This program has been generously sponsored by:
    Sponsoring Association Committees:
    Drugs & Law, Alana M. Hans-Cohen
    Small Law Firm, Anne Wolfson

    Sponsorship Opportunities are Available! Please Contact:
    Angie Avila, Manager, Membership Outreach and Sponsorships | (212) 382-6608 | aavila@nycbar.org