Ethical Issues in Representing Cannabis Clients: Conflicting Marijuana Laws, Model Rules, Ethics Opinions

Mr. Adelstone provides domestic and international legal counsel to a diverse clientele, including entrepreneurs, corporations, religious organizations, and federal and international cannabis operators. His practice spans corporate law, international policy, and cannabis regulatory compliance, helping clients navigate the complexities of the global cannabis industry and beyond. A recognized authority in the U.S. on international drug treaties, he has collaborated with legal and policy experts worldwide to address evolving cannabis laws, U.S. and EU regulatory challenges, and treaty obligations. Mr. Adelstone's expertise includes corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, business formation, contract negotiation and drafting, restaurant and franchise law, and state and federal conflicts of law.

Mr. Sandell, a registered patent attorney, focuses his practice on counseling clients on strategic Intellectual Property matters; drafting and prosecuting patent applications; litigating patent infringement and other matters in federal district courts and the International Trade Commission; arguing federal appeals; and handling patent-related Amazon.com take-down disputes. He has a passion for advising start-ups and other innovative companies on Intellectual Property matters—and focuses on consumer electronics, medical device, food science, software, and cannabis technology areas. Mr. Sandell has argued in the U.S. Courts of Appeal for the Federal Circuit, the Ninth Circuit, and D.C. Circuit. He heads Mei & Mark’s cannabis law practice. Mr. Sandell frequently presents on the intersection of IP and the cannabis business to both IP attorneys and cannabis industry participants. He is also frequently quoted in media on related topics, including by Forbes and Marijuana Moment. Additionally, Mr. Sandell is an integral component of Mei & Mark’s grIP Venture Studio, which offers wide-ranging legal expertise for start-ups, emerging companies, and VCs.