New York Cannabis: Ups, Downs, and In Between

01/24/25 • 30 min

New York’s adult use cannabis roll out has been rocky at best. However, there are still business opportunities to be had. In this episode of the Cannabis Law Now podcast, we hear from Greg Wersching, the Vice President of Business Development at Housing Works in Brooklyn, New York. Housing Works is a 35-year old non-profit that opened the first licensed adult use cannabis dispensary in New York City in 2022. Today, the organization has two dispensary locations and has incubated multiple other cannabis retailers. Greg shares with listeners how to navigate New York cannabis retail and dispensary oversight, the ins and outs of New York’s cannabis regulatory regime, how New York’s social equity program has fared to date, and what the future holds for New York cannabis retail.

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Local Government and Cannabis Enforcement: What Matters and Why

In this episode, Husch Blackwell's Hilary Bricken hosts Jennifer Morris, former Supervisor of the Cannabis Enforcement Team for Riverside County, California, who discusses her experience navigating one of the toughest cannabis markets in the U.S. as California transitioned from illegal to legal adult-use cannabis with the passage of key legislation in 2016. Jennifer highlights the County's enforcement priorities, and the rise of local cannabis control, and offers valuable insights on how industry and local governments can work together for a thriving, well-regulated cannabis marketplace. Her expertise in local enforcement procedures is essential for both industry professionals and government regulators.

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Cannabis and Hemp Federal and State Advocacy in 2025

Chris Lindsey’s origin story in cannabis is a legendary one. He was once a practicing attorney that felt the strong arm of the federal government firsthand when he was charged and prosecuted by U.S. attorneys for drug crimes by virtue of advising cannabis clients on compliance with Montana law and participating in the Montana cannabis industry. Today, Chris is the Director of State Advocacy and Public Policy for the American Trade Association of Cannabis and Hemp (ATACH), advocating for federal and state cannabis and hemp law reform.

In this episode, Chris shares ATACH’s advocacy positions and progress on the Hill and what he sees happening in the future for cannabis and hemp businesses in the U.S., including the fate of the Farm Bill, rescheduling, and de-scheduling, and how state-legal cannabis and hemp can and should co-exist. Chris also details for listeners the current state of advocacy and lobbying within the cannabis industry and the different industry interests that are fighting for a seat at the table in DC for future reform and regulation.