03.09.2023 | Distressed Cannabis Companies: Considering Options Amid Bankruptcy Limitations
Cannabis companies can find themselves in financial distress but are generally locked out of the federal bankruptcy courts. What are their options? Perkins Coie Associate Tommy Tobin sits down with Billy Organek, program fellow at Harvard Law School’s Bankruptcy Project, to discuss the importance of bankruptcy law and options companies can seek outside of the federal bankruptcy process.

02.28.2022 | Educating the Cannabis Industry: A Conversation with Maureen McNamara and Danny Gold
Regardless of the industry, education and training your workforce is important. In the cannabis industry, it is critical and can significantly impact how consumers purchase cannabis moving forward. Perkins Coie associate Juan Fonseca Angel is joined by Maureen McNamara, Founder and Chief Facilitator of Cannabis Trainers, and Danny Gold, Co-Founder and CEO of ZolTrain an industry like cannabis, to discuss the importance of training both the workforce and the consumer. Maureen and Danny discuss the evolving regulatory framework that cannabis operators are currently working in and what best practices look like when it comes to consistently training their workforce. Juan also has our guests dig into how we educate the consumers and the role that the cannabis industry plays in ensuring a good experience with the product.

12.02.2021 | E-Commerce and Cannabis: A Conversation with Lauren Thomas, General Counsel of Dutchie
Given that technology shapes, enhances, and intersects with nearly every aspect of our lives, it is unsurprising that e-commerce is emerging as a key component of the cannabis industry. Dutchie, a leading e-commerce platform with a particular focus on financial technology, is at the vanguard of this phenomenon. Dutchie General Counsel Lauren Thomas joins Perkins Coie Partner and Cannabis Industry Group Chair Barak Cohen to discuss the unique challenges that technology companies face in the cannabis industry, her experiences moving from a well-established white-shoe law firm to an in-house legal role in a cutting-edge industry, and what it’s like to be a woman of color in a role traditionally dominated by white men.

09.29.2021 | The Role of State AGs in Cannabis Policy and Regulation: A Conversation with Austin Bernstein
State Attorneys General (AGs) play a central role in enforcing cannabis laws and protecting consumers. As legalization continues to sweep the country, the interplay between state and federal law demands particular attention. In this edition of The 411 on 420, Perkins Coie senior counsel Andrew Kline discusses the role of the State AGs with Austin Bernstein, Director of the Cannabis Project at the AG Alliance and an Assistant AG in Colorado. Austin shares background on the bipartisan nature of the AG Alliance and how private sector groups can engage with AGs on cannabis issues.

09.22.2021 | Delta 8, CBD, 1% THC, and Other Issues Affecting the Hemp Industry: A Conversation with Eric Steenstra
To say that the United States has a complicated relationship with hemp is an understatement. In this edition of The 411 on 420, Perkins Coie partner Barak Cohen discusses hemp’s complicated past and promising future with Eric Steenstra, founding member of the Hemp Industries Association, Vice President of the California Hemp Council and President of Vote Hemp, the political advocacy organization that he co-founded in 2000. Eric shares insights on how the industry was able to self-regulate prior to the Farm Bill, how the passing of the Farm Bill resulted in a lawsuit against the DEA, and the future of the industry.

09.07.2021 | Actionable Insights for Winning Product Development and Branding Strategies
In this edition of The 411 on 420, Perkins Coie partner Megan Morrissey was joined by Nancy Whiteman (CEO of Wana Brands), Gail Rand (CEO and Founder of grand consulting), and Allison Pugina (Category Manager of Canopy Growth Corporation) to discuss product development and branding strategies within the cannabis industry. As co-authors of the recently-released white paper series entitled “Building New Foundations in the Cannabis Industry: Creating Gender Parity through Ownership, Leadership, Boards, Pay Equality, Branding, and Capital”, the group specifically discusses how cannabis companies can thoughtfully market to the female consumer base and increase overall revenue.

08.19.2021 | The Future of Cannabis and Psilocybin as Plant-Based Medicine: A Conversation with Stephen Dahmer and Betty Aldworth
Millions of Americans are utilizing medical cannabis and psilocybin to treat specific medical conditions each day. However, scientific and medical research lags in the U.S. lags behind other nations. Dr. Stephen M. Dahmer, Chief Medical Officer at Vireo Health, and Betty Aldworth, Director of Communications and Events at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) join Perkins Coie senior counsel Andrew Kline to discuss the current dilemma and a path forward. During the podcast, the group discusses the current state of cannabis and psilocybin research, the barriers faced by researchers, and why it is critically important to have people who understand the science involved in policymaking.

08.05.2021 | The Role of State-Level Cannabis Associations: A Conversation with Truman Bradley
While most people are discussing federal legalization of cannabis these days, the industry operates at a local level and the role of state-level cannabis associations is crucial. Perkins Coie associate Michael Bleicher is joined by Truman Bradley, Executive Director of the Marijuana Industry Group (MIG), the oldest and largest trade association in Colorado for the legal cannabis industry. During the podcast, Michael and Truman discuss how cannabis regulation currently varies all the way down to the city level and whether a one-size-fits-all approach to federal legalization would be effective or if a more nuanced approach is needed. Truman also shares his thoughts on how the pandemic has impacted the cannabis industry in Colorado.

06.21.2021 | Cannabis Lab Testing and Standards Post Descheduling: A Conversation with Alena Rodriguez
As cannabis is legalized on a state-by-state basis, individual states are creating their own cannabis testing requirements to ensure consumer safety, and many of these requirements differ from one state to the next. Perkins Coie associate Michael Bleicher is joined by Alena Rodriguez, Managing Director of Rm3 Labs, a leading cannabis testing laboratory in Colorado. During the podcast, Michael and Alena discuss the different testing guidelines for marijuana and hemp as well as new testing for delta-8 and delta-10. Alena also shares her thoughts on the role for state labs in a post descheduling world.

06.14.2021 | Packaging and Labeling Post De-Scheduling: A Conversation with Doug Fischer
It is well known that the varying state regulations for cannabis give this industry a complex legal landscape. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the state regulations related to cannabis packaging and labeling. Perkins Coie senior counsel Andrew Kline is joined by Doug Fischer, General Counsel of Greenlane, the leading global platform for the development and distribution of premium cannabis accessories and lifestyle products. Throughout the podcast, Doug shares his thoughts on how descheduling could impact the cannabis industry. Doug and Andrew also touch on delta-8 and the medical community’s involvement in the industry.

05.28.2021 | The Cannabis Industry for Veterans: A Conversation with Nick Etten
Medical marijuana is playing an increasingly significant role in the quality of life for Americans, especially veterans. Perkins Coie partner Barak Cohen is joined by Nick Etten, Founder and Chairman of the Veterans Cannabis Project and Head of Government Affairs at Acreage Holdings. As veterans themselves, Barak and Nick discuss how veterans are utilizing cannabis as a way to cope with certain war-related injuries, such as post-traumatic stress and depression. Nick also shares his thoughts about current treatment options through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and how the VA needs to evolve to effectively meet veterans’ healthcare needs.

05.17.2021 | The Big Questions Facing Federal Cannabis Legalization: A Conversation with Andrew Freedman
Perkins Coie senior counsel Andrew Kline is joined by Andrew Freedman, Colorado’s first cannabis czar under Governor Hickenlooper and current Executive Director of the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation (CPEAR). Andrew’s role in developing a successful operating model for cannabis regulation and stakeholder collaboration was identified as one of the reasons for the State of Colorado’s success in implementing adult-use cannabis legalization by the Brookings Institution. Throughout the podcast, Andrew provides his perspective on how various players in the cannabis industry would be impacted by federal legalization and why the industry needs to come together to move legalization forward.

04.02.2021 | The Future of Cannabis: State Legalization and Private Sector Perspective
On March 3, 2021, Perkins Coie partner Barak Cohen moderated a panel to discuss the future of the cannabis industry. Panelists included Michelle Rutter Friberg, Deputy Director of Government Relations at the National Cannabis Industry Association, Steve Hawkins, Executive Director of the Marijuana Policy Project, Yoko Miyashita, Chief Executive Officer of Leafly, and Andrew Kline, Senior Counsel of Perkins Coie and former public policy director for the National Cannabis Industry Association. This recap focuses on discussion related to state legalization and the private sector perspective.

04.02.2021 | The Future of Cannabis: Federal Perspective (MORE Act, SAFE banking, 280E)
On March 3, 2021, Perkins Coie partner Barak Cohen moderated a panel to discuss the future of the cannabis industry. Panelists included Michelle Rutter Friberg, Deputy Director of Government Relations at the National Cannabis Industry Association, Steve Hawkins, Executive Director of the Marijuana Policy Project, Yoko Miyashita, Chief Executive Officer of Leafly, and Andrew Kline, Senior Counsel of Perkins Coie and former public policy director for the National Cannabis Industry Association. This recap focuses on discussion related to the federal perspective.

02.17.2021 | Growing Talent: A Conversation With Bryan Passman, Cannabis Industry Executive Recruiter
In our latest podcast, chair of Perkins Coie’s Cannabis Law group Barak Cohen interviews Bryan Passman, founder of two talent acquisition firms that focus on the cannabis industry. Barak and Bryan discuss the critical need for strong leadership in the industry, particularly during the ongoing pandemic. They also discuss some of the unique issues that cannabis businesses face, as well as recent cannabis legislation and what it portends, and what this may mean for industry leadership.

01.26.2021 | Entrepreneurship in the Cannabis Industry: A Conversation with Dr. Tim Shu, Founder and CEO of VetCBD
In our latest podcast, Perkins Coie associate Michael Bleicher is joined by Dr. Tim Shu, founder and CEO of VetCBD, a startup marketing CBD-infused supplements for pets. Tim and Michael discuss the rewards and challenges of launching a business amid the current patchwork of cannabis laws, the scientific context for VetCBD’s products, and policy changes that would help cannabis industry entrepreneurs and promote consumer well-being.

12.24.2020 | The Shape of Things to Come: A Conversation with Andrew Kline, Director of Public Policy for the National Cannabis Industry Association
In our latest podcast, Perkins Coie partner Barak Cohen is joined by Andrew Kline, Director of Public Policy for the National Cannabis Industry Association, the youngest—and largest—cannabis trade association in the U.S. and the only organization representing state-sanctioned cannabis-related businesses at the federal level. Among other things, Barak and Andrew discuss key policy and legal issues faced by the cannabis industry as it confronts federal legalization, an economy-crippling pandemic, and the fallout of the Drug War.

11.24.2020 | Race, Social Equity, and the Cannabis Industry
Perkins Coie Partner Barak Cohen is joined by Natalie Papillion, a drug policy expert and organizer who serves as the executive director of The Equity Organization and sits on the Board of Directors for the Last Prisoner Project. Natalie and Barak discuss the disparate impact that the war on drugs has had on marginalized communities, particularly communities of color, and how the cannabis industry can help address this through social equity legislation.

10.17.2020 | From General Counsel to CEO: A Conversation With Yoko Miyashita, CEO of Leafly
To kick off our new podcast, Perkins Coie Partner Barak Cohen is joined by Yoko Miyashita, CEO of Leafly. Yoko and Barak discuss her transition from General Counsel of a leading cannabis company to CEO. They dive into the unique features of the cannabis industry compared to other industries, the unique business challenges of the cannabis industry as well as predictions for the industry’s future.