THE CASE FOR LEGALIZING CANNABIS IN NEW YORK , FEATURING ...
David C . Holland , Esq . President of the New York City Cannabis Industry Association Follow : @ legalizeitlawyer @ normlny David Holland is a Manhattan-based litigation attorney and co-founder of both the New York City Cannabis Industry ( NYCCIA ) and the Hudson Valley Cannabis Industry Association ( HVCIA ). He is also the Executive and Legal Director of Empire State NORML , the New York State affiliate of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws ( NORML ). David spent a dozen years serving Counsel to the late Michael Kennedy , Esq ., a renowned criminal defense and cannabis advocate , and provided counsel to High Times Magazine . David is a frequent lecturer to attorneys and lawmakers about the constitutional issues presented by federal and state cannabis laws and has brought legal actions on behalf of individuals and activist groups challenging the scheduling of cannabis under the Federal Controlled Substances Act .
Elizabeth Shields , Esq . Executive Director , Hudson Valley Cannabis Industry Association Secretary , New York City Cannabis Industry Association Elizabeth started her career in NYC politics as a legislative representative for the Mayor ’ s office working on land use , zoning issues , concessions , franchises , and government contracts . She worked with the NYC Council , unions and community leaders on many quality of life issues including the first domestic partner law and wholesale market regulations designed to root out corruption . After her work in government , and attending New York Law School at night , she joined Greenberg Traurig to develop a government affairs practice . There she represented clients to create unique public-private partnerships , secure change in land use approvals , and defend against government enforcement actions including investigations before the NYS lobby commission . She has worked with numerous local and State as well as the federal government , on a variety of issues from Native American gaming to sustainable energy systems . Most recently she has focused on cannabis related operations and policies for startups in NY and RI . This work has included the founding of the NYCCIA and grassroots lobbying efforts on behalf of South County Patients ’ Rights toward expansion of medical , and eventual legalization , in Rhode Island
Andrew Schriever , Esq . President , Hudson Valley Cannabis Industry Association Advisor , New York City Cannabis Industry Association Andrew Schriever is an attorney who helps clients develop their cannabis businesses and a writer and frequent lecturer in this field , having presented on cannabis law to multiple Bar Associations . Andrew is also Co-Chair of the Litigation Department at Cuddy & Feder LLP , one of Westchester ’ s premier law firms , where his practice includes business and real estate litigation , arbitration and mediation . In 2019 , Andrew was selected to work with Judges and Court staff to draft new rules for a new mediation program that is now in place for five County Courthouses in the Hudson Valley . Andrew also has a long history of working with non-profit organizations aimed at community betterment and social justice , having served as President of the Legal Aid Society of Westchester County , Vice President of the Greenburgh Nature Center , Board Legal Counsel for RiverArts , Treasurer of the Westchester County Bar Association , a Delegate to the New York State Bar Association ’ s House of Delegates , and a member of the Westchester County Bar Association ’ s Cannabis Law Committee .
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