Park Strategies, LLC, a New York-based strategic advisory and government relations firm founded by former United States Senator Alfonse M. D’Amato, today announced the creation of a new practice group focusing on the regulation of cannabis businesses.  The practice group joins several other Park Strategies practice groups specializing in highly regulated industries and will be headquartered in Syracuse, New York.

Senator D’Amato, who created the firm in 1999, said: “With Governor Kathy Hochul’s prioritizing the cannabis law by making appointments to the cannabis office and governing board so quickly after having taken office tells us New York is serious about growing the cannabis industry in the state, and we are happy to be making our own investment to help assure that success.”

“Park Strategies has deep roots in the cannabis space,” said Joseph Rossi, who will serve as the Cannabis Practice Group leader.  “From our work securing one of the first medical marijuana licenses, to our advocacy for the 2019 Hemp Extract Law, to the passage of the Marijuana Taxation and Regulation Act this year, to our representation of the New York Cannabis Growers and Processors Association, Park Strategies has been at the forefront of cannabis public policy and the standing up of the cannabis industry in New York.”

The Cannabis Practice Group will be focusing on all aspects of the developing cannabis industry in the state.  In addition to representing the NYCGPA, Park will be involved in public discussion on the anticipated regulations governing cannabis, advising cannabis businesses, including dispensaries, micro-businesses, processors, cultivators and others, on regulatory compliance and business development, and working with related industry services, such as financial services and insurance.

“Park Strategies already represents clients in the growing cannabis community that are forging ahead with their business plans in towns and cities throughout New York.  We know there will be more that come on line, and we want to assist them and the industry thrive in the state,” Rossi said.

On the launch of the practice group, the firm’s partners said: “Park Strategies is eager to help with the creation of successful, mission-based cannabis companies.  We are focused especially on supporting social equity applicants and providing them advice and counsel that may not otherwise be readily available to them.”

“Park Strategies has been immensely helpful to getting our association off the ground,” said NYCGPA president Allan Gandelman. “They are bringing energy and creativity to the advisory side of the cannabis industry.  They are sincere advocates for a vibrant market based upon sound cannabis public policy.”

The firm intends to not just focus on the regulation of cannabis businesses under the state’s new marijuana law, but to also represent and advise entities that service the cannabis industry on a business-to-business basis.  “Financial services and insurance, real estate and other issues critical to any business operating within New York are already in the expertise wheelhouse of Park Strategies, so we intend to leverage that in-house capacity to service our cannabis clients,” Rossi said.

For more information on the services that the Park Strategies, LLC Cannabis Practice Group can provide, please contact Joseph Rossi or Taylor Besig at 315.396.7535 or tbesig@parkstrategies.com.