Grass Class: 2024 Update on NY Cannabis Law

The NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers is the largest statewide trial bar in the US with 5,700+ lawyer and judge members. We are committed to protecting, preserving and enhancing the civil justice system. Our highly acclaimed CLE programming features extraordinary presenters covering the most timely and important topics.

Joseph W. Belluck is widely recognized for his outstanding representation of his legal clients, high ethical standards, and public service. He has been advocating for cannabis legalization since 1985. Joe has a national reputation for excellence in mesothelioma, truck accidents and other serious injury litigation. He is a dedicated, compassionate attorney who has spent his entire life and legal career advocating for injured consumers and workers. He has settled over $1 billion of asbestos and personal injury lawsuits. He was appointed as a trustee of The State University of New York (SUNY) in 2010. In 2017, Joe was appointed to the advisory committee of the Rockefeller Institute of Government's Center for Law and Policy Solutions. He previously served as a member of New York's Medicaid Redesign Team and advised the State of New York on cannabis legalization. He is a founding member of Belluck & Fox, LLP and a graduate of SUNY Binghamton and University at Buffalo Law School.

Jeffrey is a cannabis attorney and legalization activist with over 25 years of experience starting, operating, advising, and selling businesses. He is a leader in promoting pro bono advocacy for the rights of those impacted by anti-cannabis enforcement in the United States. Jeffrey holds a JD from the University of North Carolina School of Law and a BA in Russian and East European Studies from the University of North Carolina.

Ben is an experienced attorney who leads the cannabis practice at Cermele & Wood LLP. He routinely advises clients about complicated statutory and regulatory interpretation and compliance, with a special focus on New York's Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (the "MRTA") and New York's Public Health Laws. Ben has authored numerous pieces about New York's cannabis laws. He is one of the contributors to the Hudson Valley Cannabis Industry Association's and the New York City Cannabis Industry Association's Report & Recommendations on New York's Cannabis Licensing Regulations. Ben is also an active member of the Cannabis Association of New York, where he serves on the Cultivation Committee. For these and other activities, Ben was recently recognized as a 2023 Cannabis Industry Power Player by PoliticsNY and amMetro New York.