Eric Altstadter
CPA, National Cannabis & Hemp Practice leader
EisnerAmper LLP:
EisnerAmper provides a full range of assurance, tax and advisory services to companies in the cannabis industry. Our professionals have the skills to handle all aspects of a cannabis business, from design to termination. As companies mature, EisnerAmper has the resources to support that growth. We understand the importance of compliance with federal, state and local regulations, and our compliance services will satisfy those annual reporting requirements. We are thoroughly knowledgeable in matters regarding federal guidelines, Internal Revenue Code Section 280E and recent Tax Court cases, and FinCen, and deeply connected to ancillary professionals within the industry. We help businesses stay on track.
Three more crucial questions about cannabis in N.J. … and answers from our experts:
- What is a barrier to entry — or an issue most people don’t think of — that needs to be addressed to play in this space?
- How should those who want to be involved in the industry proceed in the next 12 months as the rules and regulations — and the licensing — are worked out?
- What’s something else we should know about doing business in the cannabis space in New Jersey?
Guillermo C. Artiles
Chair, Government Affairs & Cannabis practice groups
McCarter & English:
McCarter’s full-service cannabis practice covers the unique combination of legal needs made inherently complex by this industry, particularly corporate (mergers & acquisitions), tax, antitrust, intellectual property, employment, litigation, regulatory and government affairs. In 2020 alone, we closed more than $100 million in deals for our clients, who are among the most actively engaged leaders in this burgeoning industry. Our experienced government affairs team advises applicants for the alternative treatment centers in New Jersey, and is prepared for the anticipated legalization of the adult-use market.
John D. Fanburg, Esq.
Managing member and co-chair, Cannabis Industry Practice
Brach Eichler LLP:
We have been working with clients in heavily state-regulated areas. Since cannabis will be a heavily regulated industry, our past and current experience in Trenton in the areas of health care, banking, private equity, environmental, land use and zoning, and labor and employment provide a built-in starting off point for those developing grow facilities, labs, dispensaries and retail with a bevy of help.
Rajiv D. Parikh, Esq.
Partner, co-chair, Cannabis Law Group
Genova Burns:
The Genova Burns Cannabis Law Group understands the unique complexities to doing business in the Garden State because, for 30 years, we have had an active role at the intersection of law, government and business here. Our legal professionals not only have regular contact with regulators and elected officials, but know how to strategically achieve success on New Jersey’s field of play. This unlearnable experience, combined with our understanding of the legal and practical aspects of licensing and operating a cannabis business, allows our clients to seize every opportunity to prevail in their endeavors.
John V. Pellitteri
CPA, partner, Cannabis Practice leader
Grassi Advisors & Accountants:
As business advisers who specialize in the cannabis industry, we help business owners navigate the complexities of this emerging market sector and find success at any stage of the business cycle. We help entrepreneurs and investors identify opportunities and break into the industry, structure their businesses for maximum financial benefit, comply with stringent regulations and develop exit strategies for when they are ready to sell. As CPAs, we also help cannabis companies maximize the few tax savings available to them while cannabis remains a federally illegal substance.
Robert E. Schiappacasse
Co-chair, Cannabis Industry Practice Group
Sills Cummis & Gross P.C.:
Our Cannabis Industry Practice provides a broad range of services to the cannabis industry. Our clients include applicants for licensure to do business in the cannabis industry, operators in the cannabis industry and others doing business in the industry, including sources of finance, consultants and advisers, landlords and cannabis company executives. Specifically, we have been involved in cannabis-related transactions in New Jersey, Nevada, Arizona, Pennsylvania and Maryland. As one of a few law firms involved at the outset of the legalization of gambling in New Jersey, we understand the political, business and legal challenges clients will face. In that spirit, we work both to understand the regulatory framework and to guide our clients to maximize the benefits and protections available under existing and proposed laws and regulations.
Lee Vartan
Co-chair, Cannabis Law Practice
Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi P.C.:
CSG’s Cannabis Law Practice has been fortunate to represent several dynamic, passionate and entrepreneurial applicant groups on the path toward licensure during the 2018 and 2019 Requests for Application. In addition to advising on the regulatory and licensing processes, we have partnered with our applicant clients to shore up host municipality approval and support, secure appropriately zoned property for their operations, and effectively form and structure their entities. Our hope is that once the state makes additional licensing decisions, our clients will be well-positioned to immediately contribute toward the state’s burgeoning cannabis industry.
