Rooted in Community: Fox Rothschild
At the core of NCIA is a dynamic network of business owners, advocates, industry professionals, and entrepreneurs all working towards a shared mission – cultivating a fair, inclusive, and thriving cannabis industry. Our “Rooted in Community” series highlights the members who strengthen and shape that vision every day. This month, we’re proud to spotlight Evergreen Member Fox Rothschild, a premier legal leader in the cannabis community, uniting more than 1,000 attorneys from coast to coast. The firm delivers the expansive reach and robust resources of a national practice while maintaining the personalized service and deep relationships typically found in a boutique firm.
NCIA: What problem does Fox Rothschild help solve in the market?
Fox Rothschild: The cannabis industry operates amid a web of complex, and often conflicting, state and federal laws that are difficult for businesses to navigate. That is where we come in. Our firm regularly advises cannabis operators, investors, and businesses on the full spectrum of legal issues – from licensing and regulatory compliance to corporate transactions, real estate taxes and employment matters. By combining deep industry knowledge with practical legal strategy, we help clients minimize risk, stay ahead of regulatory shifts and seize new opportunities in a rapidly evolving market.
NCIA: How is Fox Rothschild different from competitors in this space?
FR: Ranked by Chambers USA as a Band 1 law firm for Cannabis Law, our attorneys advise cannabis clients across the country on how to navigate a complex web of state and federal laws involving corporate formation, financing, banking, compliance, intellectual property, tax, employment and real estate. But what really sets us apart is our approach: we invest the time to get to know our clients and understand their needs so we can better develop creative strategies that drive results. Bottomline, we find ways to help cannabis businesses navigate this fast-changing, highly regulated industry with confidence.
NCIA: Why did you join the movement with NCIA?
FR: We joined the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) almost a decade ago because we wanted to be at the center of the conversations shaping the industry’s future. Many of our clients and the companies we care about are active members in the NCIA and value the association’s role in advancing thoughtful policy, responsible growth and collaboration across the cannabis sector. By actively engaging with NCIA, our team gains valuable insights into the evolving regulatory and business landscape, allowing us to better anticipate challenges, identify opportunities and provide informed, strategic counsel. Being part of this community keeps us connected to real-world issues impacting operators and investors. It also reinforces our shared commitment to supporting a sustainable and equitable cannabis industry.
NCIA: Why is membership important to you?
FR: Our NCIA membership is invaluable. It allows us to stay connected to the people and issues driving this rapidly evolving industry. NCIA provides a unique forum where industry leaders, advocates and professionals can exchange ideas and address shared challenges. Through NCIA’s resources, network and events, we learn how to better support our clients and contribute to a more transparent, responsible and sustainable cannabis marketplace.
NCIA: Tell us about a relationship your membership has helped build?
FR: Fox Rothschild was proud to represent the NCIA pro-bono in December 2024 at a landmark hearing on the DEA’s proposal to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug. Our liaison, Michelle Rutter Friberg, NCIA’s Director of Government Relations, was our boots-on-the-ground resource during the (now adjourned) hearing. Her knowledge and track record proved invaluable for us, and we continue to appreciate her insights.
NCIA: How has Fox Rothschild evolved since it started?
FR: We were among the first national law firms to launch a dedicated Cannabis Law Practice, positioning our team as trailblazers in this rapidly evolving industry. Over time, the practice has grown to include other leading attorneys in the Cannabis Law space, including some who are now at the forefront of efforts to reschedule cannabis. Fox attorneys now serve clients in every jurisdiction that has legalized medical or recreational cannabis, including California, New York and Pennsylvania. Our evolution mirrors the growth of the industry – innovative, strategic, and results driven.
Longstanding members like Fox Rothschild are the heart of NCIA’s community. A community grounded in the belief that the cannabis industry will become a robust and essential part of the national economy. We envision an industry that is fairly taxed, responsibly regulated, and readily accessible to the patients who rely on it most. Thank you, Fox Rothschild, for being truly Rooted in the Community!
Together with our members, NCIA is building a stronger cannabis industry – rooted in community and driven by shared purpose. Join the community, join NCIA.
The MJBiz Breakdown: NCIA Members Share Expertise and Experience
As the industry heads into the biggest conference of the year, make sure your MJBizCon schedule includes the NCIA community, including our advocates, leaders, and members who are driving the future of cannabis. This year’s event brings together innovators across cannabis, hemp, psychedelics, finance, compliance, retail technology, and emerging global markets. Below is your streamlined, chronological guide to every NCIA member-powered session you’ll want on your calendar. And if you haven’t already registered, claim 15% off with our promo code PRT77.
Tuesday, December 2
9:50 – 10:30 AM – Launching Legally: Licensing, Compliance, and Capital for Cannabis Startups
Chelsea Haskins & Angelica Sanchez (Perfect Union), Justin Pilgrim (KeyPoint Credit Union), and Thomas Andersen (CannabisCPA.Tax) break down the essentials for launching a compliant, well-funded cannabis startup.
10:35 – 11:15 AM – Understanding the 2025 Cannabis Consumer – Who’s Buying & Why?
Liz Stahura (BDSA) reveals the evolving motivations and demographics driving next year’s cannabis demand.
11:20 AM – 12:00 PM – Continuing Credit Stress: Restructuring Debt in a Post-280E World
Jeffrey Schultz (Foley Hoag) and Frank Colombo (Viridian Capital Advisors) explore how operators can navigate debt restructuring as tax landscapes shift.
2:30 – 5:30 PM – Associations Day
Brooke Gilbert & Michelle Rutter Friberg (NCIA) will be available to discuss why membership is so important during this critical time for our industry.
2:30 – 3:10 PM – The Cannabis Startup Guide to HR, Payroll & Accounting Success
Raymond Guns, CPA (Dope CFO) highlights foundational financial and HR systems every cannabis startup must master.
3:15 – 4:00 PM – How Will Industry Consolidation Happen with Hemp and Cannabis?
Frank Colombo (Viridian Capital Advisors) discusses the forces shaping mergers and acquisitions across hemp and cannabis.
3:15 – 4:00 PM – When Will Cannabis Brands Finally Get Holiday Marketing Right?
Katie Mattox (Spherex) shares why brands struggle seasonally and how they can finally win the holidays.
Wednesday, December 3
2:00 – 2:40 PM – Bridging the Marijuana and Hemp Divide
Adam Rosenberg (Vlasic Labs), Eric Berlin (Dentons), and Michelle Rutter Friberg (NCIA) explain how the two sectors are finding a unified voice.
2:50 – 3:30 PM – Indigenous Cannabis: Sovereignty, Regulation & Economic Opportunity
Andrew Livingston (Vicente) examines how Indigenous nations are shaping cannabis regulation and commerce.
2:50 – 3:30 PM – Next-Gen Infusions: Innovation, Compliance & the Future of Cannabis Beverages
Diana Eberlien & Harold Han (Vertosa) explore breakthroughs in beverage science and regulation.
2:50 – 3:30 PM – Global Cannabis Outlook: Trends, Policy Shifts & Market Opportunities
Jamie Pearson (New Holland Group) provides a world-tour of emerging global markets.
3:40 – 4:20 PM – State of the Market: What the Data Tells Us About the Coming Year
Karson Humiston (Vangst) and Frank Colombo (Viridian Capital Advisors) dissect the latest MJBiz Factbook data and its implications.
Thursday, December 4
10:00 – 10:40 AM – From Battlefield to Breakthrough: Veteran Advocacy Driving Psychedelic Reform
Jason Moore-Brown (WeedMaps) spotlights the veterans accelerating psychedelic policy change.
10:50 – 11:30 AM – Charting a Profitable Path in an Era of Balkanized Cannabis Policy
Michelle Rutter Friberg (NCIA) helps outline survival strategies for navigating fragmented state-by-state regulation.
10:50 – 11:30 AM – How Unchecked Credit and Poor Collections Are Strangling the Cannabis Supply Chain
Adam Stettner (FundCanna) and Jun S. Lee (Nabis) unpack the financial pitfalls tightening the industry’s margins.
11:40 AM – 12:20 PM – Midwest Momentum: Navigating Cannabis in Ohio & Michigan
Emilie Ramach (Beneleaves) covers the Midwest’s rapid regulatory and market evolution.
11:40 AM – 12:20 PM – The Intersection of Cannabis & Psychedelics: Synergies & Challenges
Shanetha Marable-Lewis (Veterans 22) & Scheril Murray Powell (The JUSTÜS Foundation) examine the growing overlap between the two emerging industries.
2:50 – 3:30 PM – Retail Tech & Payments: Cashless Transactions, POS Innovations & the Future of Cannabis Sales
Aubrey Amatell (PayRio) explores how payments innovation is shaping cannabis retail.
2:50 – 3:30 PM – Land of 10,000 Lakes and Legalization: Minnesota’s Cannabis Industry in Transition
Jen Reise (NorthStar Consulting) & Jason Tarasek (Vicente) break down Minnesota’s path from legalization to implementation.
3:40 – 4:20 PM – Navigating the Legal Labyrinth: Compliance, Ethics & Psychedelic Practice
Joshua Kappel (Vicente) discusses the legal frameworks emerging around psychedelics.
Friday, December 5
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Lounge Ready: Mastering Cannabis Hospitality
Dale Sky Jones (Oaksterdam) takes a deep dive into the future of consumption lounges and hospitality design.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – The New Era of Cannabis Delivery: Creating Loyalty Beyond the Transaction
Matt Krishnamachari (Purple Lotus) closes out the week providing insight into cannabis delivery trends.
If you plan to walk the Expo floor, make sure to visit National Cannabis Industry Association members below:
Abstrax (booth #C20911)
Accounting Buds (#C25232)
Apex Trading (#C25113)
Baker Perkins (#C23707)
Bankcard International Group (#C26422)
Beaker & Wrench (#C23529)
Boveda, Inc. (#N14807)
Canna Carton (#C23629)
Gamut Packaging (#C21032)
Hanwha Vision (#C26817)
KayaPush (#C25509)
Linde Gas & Equipment Inc (#N13917)
Paragon Payroll (#C25830)
Prairie Island CBH Inc (#N15732)
PreRoll-Er (#C22018)
Proteus420 (#C25507)
Purpl Scientific Inc. (#N13819)
RollPros (#C20914)
Royal 4 Systems (#C26622)
CCELL (#C25417)
Sweed (#C27421)
Taylor (#C21536)
Urban-Gro (#N14306)
WECO (#C25511)
Across finance, compliance, retail innovation, policy, plant science, and psychedelics, our members help deliver a comprehensive look at the forces shaping cannabis in 2025. From consolidation and credit stress to Indigenous sovereignty and global expansion, attendees will walk away with a thorough understanding of where the industry is heading next.
Join an NCIA Committee: Lead, Collaborate, and Shape the Future of Cannabis
2026 Committee Applications Now Open! Joining a National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) committee is one of the best ways to get involved, expand your network, and influence national cannabis policy. Work alongside top professionals, advocates, and innovators to help move the industry forward.
Why Join?
- Build connections with professionals from all sectors of the cannabis industry through virtual meetings, events, and cross-committee projects.
- Share your expertise and build your professional profile as a thought leader in the industry.
- Help shape NCIA’s advocacy efforts and provide input on national legislation and regulations.
- Gain early access to market trends, policy updates, and NCIA briefings, plus complimentary access to Cannabis NewsHub.
- Enhance leadership, communication, and collaboration skills while contributing to real industry impact.
Eligibility & Commitment
- Your company must be an active NCIA member throughout your term.
- Expect to dedicate 3–5 hours per month to meetings and projects.
- Members can serve on one committee at a time; one seat per company per committee.
Ready to Get Involved?
Join one of NCIA’s 13 committees and make your voice heard in shaping the future of cannabis.
Apply now to collaborate, educate, and advocate with industry leaders. Not a member yet? Visit our Join Now page to explore membership options and benefits. Have questions? Reach out to Committees@thecannabisindustry.org for answers!
2025 NCIA Committee Highlights: A Mid-Year Recap
The first half of 2025 has brought NCIA committee members together each month to discuss industry trends, changing regulations and how those are impacting their businesses. NCIA committee members have been busy producing some great content this year as well! Follow the links below for a quick recap of some of the blogs & webinars you may have missed from these industry leaders.
Luckily, there are four more months for our current crew of committee members to keep creating the most valuable content for our industry. Can’t get enough of NCIA Committee knowledge? Sign up for our newsletters to see the newest educational resources. Want to share your knowledge and expertise? Reach out to Committees@thecannabisindustry.org to see where you can plug in and get engaged!
2025 Midterm Committee Applications Now Open
Midterm committee applications are open! Joining one of NCIA’s 13 volunteer-led committees can offer several strategic advantages, both for personal career development and for advancing your business or organization within our ever changing industry. Here’s why you should consider applying:
Networking and Relationship Building ~ You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with other industry professionals, including entrepreneurs, investors, and advocates on issues facing the industry. You will work closely with other executives, service providers, and policy experts to create educational webinars and blogs to inform other cannabis professionals. These relationships can lead to partnerships, new clients, investment opportunities, or key hires.
Being a part of an NCIA committee has been an incredible experience. It’s allowed me to connect with a wide range of professionals across the cannabis industry and gain deeper insight into what’s really happening at every level. What’s been particularly rewarding is the opportunity to see firsthand how advocacy on a national level affects the entire industry—and to be part of the conversations shaping its future. ~ Kenya Alexander, 2025 DEIC Chair
Credibility and Thought Leadership ~ Serving on a committee signals to the industry that you’re serious, engaged, and informed. It helps establish you as a thought leader while increasing visibility for you and your company. Committee involvement can open up other speaking, publishing, or media opportunities.
Access to Exclusive Industry Insights ~ Committee members often have early or in-depth access to market trends, regulatory changes, and internal briefings from policy advocates. You’ll stay ahead of compliance and policy shifts with updates from NCIA’s Executive team and colleagues. Members also receive complimentary access to Cannabis NewsHub to easily research 1000’s of cannabis new articles.
Serving as a member of an NCIA committee has vastly exceeded my expectations. Not only has it broadened my network but it helped me to navigate the shifting policy landscape, which has proved invaluable for the companies I’ve represented. ~ Jake Kuczeruk, 2025 CMC Vice Chair
Shape the Future of the Industry ~ Being on a committee gives you a seat at the table where advocacy and policy decisions are shaped. You can influence how the industry presents itself to lawmakers and regulators. Committee members contribute to equity and inclusion efforts, best practice standards, sustainability and innovation initiatives. You can help develop industry positions on legislation and regulations. This gives you a chance to directly impact the direction of the industry in meaningful ways.
Professional Development ~ You’ll have the chance to build skills in leadership, strategic communication and consensus-building. Committee members create a community to support one another while learning more about public policy, regulatory strategy and political advocacy.
Apply now for one of NCIA’s 13 committees to join the conversations happening behind the scenes. Not a member? Check out our Join Now page for membership tiers, prices and additional benefits for NCIA members!
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Committee Blog: Cannabis and Cardiovascular Disease
Rooted in Community: Fox Rothschild