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Cannabis & Psychedelics

Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s Cannabis & Psychedelics Practice Group stands at the forefront of a dynamic and ever-evolving legal landscape. We possess a detailed understanding of laws associated with the production, sale, use, and regulation of a broad range of controlled substances — from cannabis and hemp to psychedelics.

Our industry reputation has been carved through our unwavering commitment to guide clients clearly and effectively through what often presents as a maze of sometimes conflicting regulations. Our experienced attorneys are well-equipped to illuminate the path in this intricate area, helping our clients discern their rights and identify novel opportunities in this multifaceted field.

A Full-Service Approach to Psychedelic Substances

In addition to strong regulatory experience in this space, our attorneys combine strong corporate, tax, and strategic knowledge to assist our clients in all aspects of the industry. Mandelbaum Barrett PC full service platform allows us to assist in ancillary issues like, Healthcare, Employment, Mergers & Acquisitions, Banking & Tax Law.

A Legacy of Leadership and Recognition

Our firm’s commitment to being trailblazers in this space is led by the group’s chair Joshua Bauchner who co-hosted the first-ever Cannabis Symposia in New Jersey, a series of groundbreaking events that garnered significant attention and thousands of attendees. Our firm’s involvement doesn’t stop there. Members of our team have actively contributed to key initiatives, dialogues, and educational programs across the controlled substances sector. Josh’s leadership is epitomized by accolades such as the New Jersey Law Journal’s Innovator of the Year Award, highlighting his dynamic and pioneering work in this space, as well as his appointment as co-chair of the NJSBA Cannabis Law Committee.

Amicus Curiae Briefs & Advocacy

Josh and other’s in the group have shown strong dedication to regulatory evolution and legal clarity in key legal discussions. Josh has proudly filed a pro-bono amicus curiae brief in the case of Washington v. Barr, supporting the rights of former national and international professional athletes and challenging the federal government’s stance on cannabis regulation.

Further emphasizing our commitment is an amicus curiae brief for the case of Dr. Sunil Aggarwal, MD, PhD; Advanced Integrative Medical Science Institute, PLLC v. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, cautioning against historical regulatory resistances and advocating for therapeutic advancements.

As champions of regulatory progress, we understand the broader implications of cannabis and psychedelic substances, especially in therapeutic contexts, and our active roles in landmark cases are a testament to our unwavering commitment.

Recent Developments & Advocacy

We are deeply involved in ongoing initiatives related to other psychedelic substances, such as the potential introduction of the “Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act” in New Jersey. We recognize the significance of these developments in the healthcare sector and advocate for controlled substances’ therapeutic potential.

Comprehensive Array of Legal Services

Our Controlled Substances Practice Group offers a comprehensive array of services:

  • Licensing & Compliance
  • Corporate Formation and Governance
  • Commercial  Real Estate, Leasing & Business Development
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Financing & Investment Strategies
  • Litigation, Dispute Resolution & Advocacy
  • Municipal Ordinances & Licensing Requirements

None of the awards mentioned in this advertisement have been reviewed or endorsed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. These awards are based on independent third-party evaluations and selection criteria. To find out more visit the Global Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers Directory 2022/23 Archive.

Rescheduling Psilocybin: Joshua S. Bauchner Serves as Principal Author of Pro-Bono Amicus Curiae Brief on Behalf of NORML

October 20, 2023

Firm attorney Joshua S. Bauchner, Chair of the Cannabis and Psychedelics Practice Group, served as the principal author of a pro-bono amicus curiae brief filed on behalf of NORML in support of Petitioners in Dr. Sunil Aggarwal, MD, PhD; Advanced Integrative Medical Science Institute, PLLC v. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Anne Milgram in Her Official […]

LAW 360: Mandelbaum Barrett PC Adds New Cannabis, Psychedelics Head

October 18, 2023

Joshua Bauchner has joined Mandelbaum Barrett as a partner in the firm’s litigation department, and will lead the growth of the cannabis and psychedelics team. He will be based in the firm’s Roseland, New Jersey, office and will also work out of New York.

Joshua S. Bauchner Joins Mandelbaum Barrett PC as Chair of its Cannabis & Psychedelics Practice Group and Partner in its Litigation Practice Group

October 5, 2023

Joshua S. Bauchner  joined Mandelbaum Barrett PC as Chair of its expanded Cannabis & Psychedelics Practice Group and a Partner in its  Litigation Practice Group.  The firm also announced that it has renamed its Cannabis Practice as the Cannabis & Psychedelics Practice Group to reflect this growing, multifaceted and complex area of law that includes cannabis and psychedelics. 

Can New Jersey Employers Fire an Employee for Marijuana Use?

October 19, 2022

On September 9, 2022, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission on Workplace Impairment published Guidance regarding whether employers may fire employees for smoking or otherwise ingesting marijuana.   For those not paying attention, on February 22, 2021, Governor Murphy signed the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (“CREAMMA”) which legalized recreational […]

Life on the Line: Battling Bureaucracy for Timely Medical Innovations

November 30, 2023

n the ever-evolving landscape of medical innovation, the journey to bring breakthrough therapies to those in need is often fraught with obstacles and red tape. For many patients grappling with life-threatening conditions, the clock is ticking, and the standard procedures of rescheduling controlled substances are causing unnecessary delays. In a remarkable legal battle, advocacy groups like NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) are challenging the status quo, advocating for quicker access to groundbreaking treatments like psilocybin and cannabis.

From Prohibition to Prosperity: Navigating Cannabis Legalization & Licensing in New Jersey

November 9, 2023

In his latest video, Joshua Bauchner navigates the obstacles and triumphs along the path to cannabis legalization, with a particular focus on the State of New Jersey. He provides insights into the transition between administrations and how it has impacted the cannabis landscape in the state.

Struggling for Green Space – Unraveling Real Estate and Financing Challenges in the NJ Cannabis Industry

November 9, 2023

At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, we specialize in a comprehensive analysis of the intricate challenges within the dynamic landscape of the cannabis industry in New Jersey and New York. Led by Joshua Bachner, Chair of the Cannabis and Psychedelics practice group at Mandelbaum Barrett PC, our team is ready to dissect the regulatory intricacies unique to the NJ/NY cannabis market.

Embracing Legal Cannabis: A Path to Safety, Wellness, and Universal Appeal

November 9, 2023

Legal cannabis offers numerous advantages, ensuring consumers know exactly what they’re getting and providing a safer alternative to the uncertainties of the black market. Joshua Bauchner, Chair of the Cannabis & Psychedelics practice group at Mandelbaum Barrett PC, delves into its popularity spanning various age groups, with older generations turning to cannabis to alleviate age-related ailments. Additionally, legal cannabis holds the potential to address the opioid crisis, promoting happier and healthier living when used responsibly.

From Stigma to Solution: Exploring Cannabis’s Untapped Potential and the Road to Federal Legalization

November 9, 2023

Dive into the cannabis domain alongside Joshua Bauchner, Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s Cannabis and Psychedelics practice group Chair. Hindered by federal constraints, cannabis’s therapeutic potential has been obscured. Bauchner sheds light on the evolving landscape, revealing promising developments and foreseeing federal legalization within the decade, seeking to address past injustices.

From High Times to High Hopes: Advocating for Cannabis, Research, and Equity in the Garden State

November 3, 2023

In recent years, Joshua Bauchner, chair of the Cannabis and Psychedelics Practice Group at Mandelbaum Barrett PC, has been advocating for cannabis reform in the United States. His journey into cannabis law began when he represented High Times magazine’s board of directors, providing him with a unique perspective on the evolving cannabis and psychedelics industry. Bauchner has been instrumental in bringing cannabis awareness to the East Coast through annual symposiums, coinciding with Governor Murphy’s promise to legalize cannabis in New Jersey.

New Jersey Cannabis Licensing Appeals: Seeking Fairness and Transparency

October 25, 2023

In a pivotal legal battle that could shape the future of New Jersey’s cannabis industry, the State’s Appellate Division recently heard oral arguments for three consolidated appeals involving the 2019 Cannabis Licensing Request for Applications (RFA). The firm represented NJ Holistic Health, one of the appellants (A-001326-21), challenging the scoring of its application by the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Committee (CRC).

Rescheduling Psilocybin: Joshua S. Bauchner Serves as Principal Author of Pro-Bono Amicus Curiae Brief on Behalf of NORML

October 20, 2023

Firm attorney Joshua S. Bauchner, Chair of the Cannabis and Psychedelics Practice Group, served as the principal author of a pro-bono amicus curiae brief filed on behalf of NORML in support of Petitioners in Dr. Sunil Aggarwal, MD, PhD; Advanced Integrative Medical Science Institute, PLLC v. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Anne Milgram in Her Official […]

New Jersey’s Corporate Income Tax: A New Era for Cannabis Businesses

July 21, 2023

The New Jersey Division of Taxation has recently issued a technical bulletin discussing critical changes in the taxation of cannabis businesses, particularly how income computation and reporting are influenced by a new law. Starting from the tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, New Jersey has made a decisive move by decoupling itself […]

Can New Jersey Employers Fire an Employee for Marijuana Use?

October 19, 2022

On September 9, 2022, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission on Workplace Impairment published Guidance regarding whether employers may fire employees for smoking or otherwise ingesting marijuana.   For those not paying attention, on February 22, 2021, Governor Murphy signed the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (“CREAMMA”) which legalized recreational […]

The Impact of Cannabis use in Dental Practices

September 4, 2019

September 4, 2019 Even though cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, many states have legalized its use for medicinal and/or recreational purposes. The rise in state legality of cannabis use has led to the increase of cannabis users, and health care providers need to be aware of the potential rise in cannabis use by […]

These stories are successful case results from our attorneys. Please note that results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

From Vision to a Brooklyn Cannabis Business

November 28, 2023

Our client, Kendall had a vision for a New York cannabis business, which she discussed during her estate planning sessions with Shawn McClelland from our Tax, Trusts, and Estates practice group. Recognizing the potential, Shawn introduced her to Joshua S. Bauchner, Chair of our Cannabis and Psychedelics Practice Group.

Members Dan Barkin and Peter Tanella Close Investment In Medical Marijuana Facility

May 2, 2016

Dan Barkin and Peter Tanella recently closed an innovative seven figure investment in a medical marijuana production facility. This transaction involved a secured convertible debt provided by a Wall Street investor to an early stage venture. Dan and Peter employed creative structuring techniques to navigate