As the hemp industry continues to grow and evolve, the Cannabis, Hemp & Psychedelics Practice Group at Mandelbaum Barrett PC is excited to announce our collaborative founding of with the New York Advocates for Hemp and Alternatives (NYAHAA) which offers unparalleled access to vital resources, expert legal updates, and networking opportunities to help your business thrive.
By joining NYAHAA, members can leverage resources, knowledge-sharing, and networks to push for favorable policies, sustainable practices, and stronger public awareness of hemp’s potential. Together, we are advocating for a regulatory environment that supports hemp businesses, while promoting growth, innovation, and a greener, more prosperous economy.
New Jersey CRC Opens Applications for Cannabis Consumption Areas
NY Cannabis Regulations Updated
Major Win for Hemp Retailers
NJ Bill Aims to Speed Up Approvals
Navigating Cannabis and Road Safety
Court Ruling in Cannabis Employment Case
Cannabis Policy Changes Under Trump
NJ Updates Cannabis Tax Guidance
Upstate NY Geneseo Decision
NY Bill to Repeal 2023 Hemp Regulations
Greenbacks and Grass: The Future of Cannabis Financial Solutions
Upcoming Learning: Educating the Cannabis Industry
Cannabis and Psychedelics Law Symposium
NJSBA Annual Meeting and Convention
National Interdisciplinary Cannabis Symposium
Kicking Off 2025 with More Breakthroughs
Landmark Victory for Hemp Retailers
Our firm continues to lead in defending licensed hemp businesses against significant legal challenges. Our CHAP team- Joshua S. Bauchner, Jed M. Weiss, James V. Mazewski, and Natalie C. Diaz- is featured in various prominent media outlets for their role in securing a major legal victory for hemp retailers. This landmark case defends our clients' constitutional rights and pushes back against governmental overreach.
*the stories highlighted below are unique to each case, past results do not guarantee future results.
Explore the extensive coverage and see why our fight for justice is making waves.
Mandelbaum Barrett PC is pleased to offer the Cannabis Clearinghouse—a classifieds platform designed to connect professionals in the cannabis, hemp, and psychedelics industries. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a license, secure a viable location, find equipment, or explore employment opportunities, this free resource fosters collaboration and supports industry growth.
On behalf of the OCM, Empire State Development (ESD) has entered into a contract with FORWARD, an experienced third-party service to administer the CAURD Grant Program, to award eligible CAURD licensees with vital funding to support their business operations. Grant applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the $5 million dollars is exhausted.
All NYS-based, NYS-incorporated businesses that hold an active, final CAURD license issued by the OCM are eligible to apply. Licensees must be in compliance with all NYS Cannabis Laws and related regulations requirements, as determined by OCM. To be eligible, all applicants must have a business bank account in a name that matches the name of the CAURD license holder. Each Employer Identification Number (EIN) is eligible to receive a maximum of one grant award under this Program.
Awards will be up to $30,000 for eligible expenses as defined below. Applications must include a minimum of $10,000 in eligible expenses to qualify for an award. Funds will be issued to awardees on a reimbursement basis. Eligible expenses can be reinbursed starting from the date the licensee received final license notice from OCM.
We can provide application assistance for eligible licensees who wish to apply. Contact cannabis@mblawfirm.com.
What Expenses Will Be Eligible For Reimbursement?
✅ Commercial rent for the retail establishment authorized by the CAURD license;
Improvements that fulfill OCM regulatory compliance requirements, including but not necessarily limited to: ✅ Point-of-Sale systems and hardware; ✅ Inventory tracking systems; ✅ Security systems and hardware, including related installation costs; ✅ Secure product storage and transportation systems and equipment; ✅ Insurance costs; ✅ Cosmetic Improvements as approved by OCM and ESD; and ✅ Other documented costs as approved by OCM and ESD.
New Jersey CRC Opens Applications for Cannabis Consumption Areas
Natalie C. Diaz breaks down everything you need to know to navigate cannabis consumption area endorsements, with applications now open for 2025. These endorsements create regulated spaces for adults aged 21 and older to consume cannabis products purchased from licensed dispensaries, marking a significant step forward in cannabis accessibility and regulation.
Joshua S. Bauchner and Natalie C. Diaz break down the latest updates from New York’s Cannabis Control Board, refining licensing criteria, adjusting distance restrictions, and strengthening Public Convenience and Advantage considerations. These changes aim to promote economic growth and ensure community input in dispensary approvals.
Natalie C. Diaz unpacks a recent NYOCM Office of Administrative Hearings ruling that dismissed enforcement actions against a licensed hemp retailer accused of unlicensed cannabis sales. This case reinforces the need for clear regulatory guidance and strong legal advocacy.
Joshua S. Bauchner discusses a proposed NJ bill aimed at speeding up the approval process for cannabis dispensaries. Legislation could streamline regulatory hurdles, fostering growth in the state's cannabis market and providing faster access to legal cannabis for consumers.
Joshua S. Bauchner and Natalie C. Diaz examine the complexities of cannabis and road safety, highlighting the challenges of enforcing impairment laws in the absence of a standardized roadside test. They emphasize the need for clearer policies to ensure both public safety and the rights of cannabis consumers.
Joshua S. Bauchner and Natalie C. Diaz analyze a recent court ruling against a job applicant in a cannabis employment case, highlighting the ongoing legal challenges surrounding workplace cannabis policies. Their Law360 article explores the broader implications for both job seekers and businesses in the evolving legal landscape.
In a NJBIZ article, Joshua S. Bauchner discusses potential shifts in federal cannabis policy under the Trump administration. Banking reform could potentially allow states to manage their own cannabis regulations without federal interference. This article examines the implications of such policy changes on the industry moving forward.
Martin D. Hauptman from our Tax, Trusts, and Estates groups, breaks down the recent updates to New Jersey's cannabis tax guidance. His article examines how these revisions impact tax liabilities, compliance requirements, and overall business strategy for cannabis operators in the state.
Joshua S. Bauchner and Natalie C. Diaz successfully represented Smoker's Choice of Upstate New York, Inc. in a case before the New York Cannabis Control Board. The court ruled in favor of the respondent, citing admissibility issues with the evidence presented by the Board. This ruling clarifies the compliance expectations for cannabis retailers in New York and strengthens protections for businesses in the cannabis industry.
On March 3, 2025, New York State Senators Sepulveda and Rolison introduced Senate Bill S05809, aiming to amend the cannabis law to permit licensed retailers to sell all forms of cannabinoid hemp. The bill mandates the Office of Cannabis Management to repeal the cannabinoid hemp emergency regulations adopted on July 27, 2025. Additionally, it revises definitions related to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and clarifies that licensed retailers can sell any form of cannabinoid hemp meeting statutory requirements, nullifying any prior or future regulations that prohibit such sales.
The next frontier in cannabis is banking. Despite federal hurdles, financial institutions are stepping in to support Cannabis Related Businesses (CRBs). At Mandelbaum Barrett, we help banks and credit unions develop internal controls to navigate KYC/AML and compliance challenges, ensuring they unlock opportunities for growth.
Upcoming Learning:
Educating the Cannabis Industry
Cannabis and Psychedelics
Law Symposium
In partnership with the NJ State Bar Association, Joshua S. Bauchner will again present at the 7th Annual Cannabis and Psychedelics Law Symposium on March 12 at the New Jersey Law Center. Earn up to 4.8 CLE credits.
Joshua S. Bauchner will join top legal professionals at the NJSBA Annual Meeting & Convention in Atlantic City from May 14-16. Earn up to 16 CLE credits while exploring key issues in cannabis law.
Joshua S. Bauchner will present at the Fourth Annual National Interdisciplinary Cannabis Symposium, on September 21, at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. This event brings together professionals from law, science, and policy to discuss critical developments in the cannabis industry. Attendees can earn CLE credits while gaining valuable insights.
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