National Cannabis Industry Association logo

Join Now

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.

Member Blog: Regulating the Cannabis Industry for Accuracy and Integrity

Regulating the Cannabis Industry for Accuracy and Integrity 

In the fast-evolving landscape of the cannabis industry, ensuring accurate testing standards is paramount to safeguarding consumer safety, maintaining regulatory compliance, and fostering fair market competition. However, a pervasive challenge known as cannabinoid inflation threatens to undermine these essential principles, posing a significant obstacle to the industry’s growth and legitimacy. 

Understanding Cannabinoid Inflation 

Cannabinoid inflation refers to the practice of cannabis testing laboratories providing inaccurately high cannabinoid concentrations in their reports, often in an attempt to attract business. This phenomenon distorts market dynamics, leading to unfair competition and jeopardizing the credibility of legitimate labs that adhere to rigorous testing standards. Contaminant deflation is a significant concern, too, as labs willing to inflate cannabinoids are also more likely to underreport the presence and/or amount of hazardous substances. 

At the heart of this issue lies a fundamental discrepancy between reported and actual cannabinoid content in cannabis products. As cannabis producers and distributors seek out labs offering higher THC values, a troubling trend is to use only labs that will inflate the value of desirable cannabinoids, such as THC. This practice, known as laboratory shopping, perpetuates the cycle of inflated results, undermining integrity and forcing accurate reporting labs out of business. 

Proposing Regulatory Solutions 

To address this pressing cannabinoid inflation challenge, Digamma Consulting, renowned experts in cannabis chemistry, presents a comprehensive set of regulatory solutions in their latest white paper, Solutions to Cannabinoid Inflation. 

Solution A: Data Analysis Reports Advocating the adoption of data analysis reports, Digamma proposes a systematic approach to analyzing testing data, providing regulators with a solid foundation for action. By leveraging data analytics, authorities can identify trends, anomalies, and potential instances of cannabinoid inflation. Such identification enables regulators to make targeted and legally justified interventions that can help to improve testing integrity. 

Solution B: Suspect Product Checks Digamma recommends implementing suspect product checks, also known as “secret shopper” programs, to detect inflated cannabinoid values. This cost-effective mechanism allows states to conduct product sampling and testing of suspected lab results by independent accredited reference laboratories that will validate reported cannabinoid content and mitigate inflated results. 

Solution C: Chemical Analysis Laboratory Audits Digamma proposes implementing in-person audits of chemical analysis laboratories to ensure testing integrity and thus directly address cannabinoid inflation. Subjecting testing facilities to rigorous scrutiny by expert auditors enables regulators to assess compliance with standards and uphold the integrity of the testing process. 

Digamma’s White Paper: Solutions to Cannabinoid Inflation 

Digamma’s white paper on regulating the cannabis industry for accuracy and integrity represents a significant step toward addressing the pervasive challenge of cannabinoid inflation. By advocating for practical, low-cost regulatory solutions, Digamma Consulting aims to empower government regulators to uphold transparency, impartiality, and legal defensibility in cannabis testing reporting and labeling. 

As the industry continues to evolve, it is imperative to prioritize consumer safety, regulatory compliance, and market fairness. Through collaborative efforts and ongoing dialogue, we can navigate the complexities of the cannabis industry and propel it toward a future characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability. Join Digamma in the quest to build a safe, fair, and thriving cannabis industry for all.

Read the white paper here:
https://www.digammaconsulting.com/_files/ugd/f2b5b5_74e672f71f8f4678a79f823738e 87910.pdf 

Meet Anya – NCIA’s New D.C. Office Intern

By Michelle Rutter Friberg, NCIA Deputy Director of Government Relations

There’s no shortage of work to be done in cannabis policy reform here in Washington, D.C. and it seems like there’s never enough hours in the day! That’s why for more than two years, the NCIA D.C. office has utilized the help of interns to assist us with all of the important work we do here. From attending meetings and briefings, to doing research projects, to doing social media, our wonderful interns have done it all. This week, we want to introduce you to our newest intern in D.C., Anya Vining. 

Tell us about yourself! Where did you grow up and go to school? 

I was born in Ukraine but spent most of my childhood in upstate New York. I then moved to Boston where I went to school at the University of Massachusetts and studied political science and psychology. 

What did you do before this internship?

After graduation, I began working at one of the first licensed hemp farms in Massachusetts, BayGrown Farms. It was a great opportunity to learn more about cultivation and product development. After the harvest season, I spent some time traveling around the United States exploring new places! 

When did you realize you were interested in cannabis, whether personally or professionally?

Once I began working for BayGrown Farms I got to see the importance of legalized cannabis. I met so many people who relied on cannabis to improve the quality of their lives and saw first hand the positive effects! We also worked to repurpose old and unused farmland which provided farmers with another source of income. The positive impact on the community really inspired me to pursue cannabis professionally!

Do you see yourself entering the cannabis industry in the future? 

I would love to continue to work in the cannabis industry. I have been considering law school and specializing in cannabis law but I am always open to new opportunities. I think this will be an eye-opening experience and hopefully will give me more insight into what I want to do in the future!

What interests you about the cannabis space?

The cannabis industry is ever-changing and growing rapidly which keeps the space interesting and exciting! So many people are impacted by the industry and there is always room for more education and advocacy.

What are you most excited to do or learn while interning here?

I am most excited to gain more professional experience and learn more about lobbying for a cause that I am passionate about. I am also looking forward to meeting more people in the industry and hope to become more involved and invested!

If you’re interested in learning more about the work we do in Washington, D.C., or meeting Anya and our government relations team, make sure you save the date for NCIA’s 10th Annual Cannabis Industry Lobby Days, happening May 19-21, 2020! See you there!

This site uses cookies. By using this site or closing this notice, you agree to the use of cookies and our privacy policy.