Ethical Issues in Representing Cannabis Clients: Conflicting Marijuana Laws, Model Rules, Ethics Opinions
A live 90-minute CLE video webinar with interactive Q&A
This CLE webinar will provide attorneys guidance on the ethical challenges that arise in representing clients within the cannabis industry. The panel will discuss various ABA Model Rules, navigating contradictory federal and state laws covering cannabis, existing rules and ethics opinions from other jurisdictions, scope of work and assessing ethical risks, conflicts of interests, and other key ethical issues.
Outline
- Federal vs. state cannabis laws
- Schedule III on the horizon?
- Model rules and ethics opinions
- Attorney-client privilege and confidentiality
- Cannabis specific issues
- State, Federal, and International Practices
- Taxes and 280E opinions
- FDA and hemp
- Patents and Trademarks
Benefits
The panel will address these and other key considerations:
- What are the guiding ethical principles in representing cannabis clients?
- What is the scope of work you can take on for a cannabis client?
- What are some of the most common ethical challenges encountered in negotiating and drafting contracts?
- What ethical issues arise when you take an interest in a cannabis startup in lieu of fees?
- How do you navigate conflicting cannabis laws?
- What are best practices for safeguarding attorney-client privilege in cannabis law?
- What are some effective strategies for navigating the tension between zealous advocacy and adhering to ethical obligations in representing cannabis clients?
Faculty
Jason Adelstone
Attorney
Harris Sliwoski
Mr. Adelstone provides domestic and international legal counsel to a diverse clientele, including... | Read More
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.
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Larry Sandell
Attorney
Mei & Mark
Mr. Sandell, a registered patent attorney, focuses his practice on counseling clients on strategic Intellectual... | Read More
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.
CloseEarly Discount (through 08/22/25)
Cannot Attend September 16?
Early Discount (through 08/22/25)
You may pre-order a recording to listen at your convenience. Recordings are available 48 hours after the webinar. Strafford will process CLE credit for one person on each recording. All formats include course handouts.
