Getting to Know Us and Our Podcast
Episode 1
The first episode of our podcast introduces you to our hosts, Priya Sopori, Michelle Mabugat, Alexa Steinberg and Steven Stein, along with the Cannabis practice at the law firm of Greenberg Glusker. Tune in while they chat a bit about themselves and the firm’s Cannabis practice and answer the...
Cannabis During and After the Pandemic
Episode 2
Join us on the “Grass is Always Greenberg” podcast for an essential look back at how the cannabis business survived, and even thrived, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out how cannabis became an essential business leading to a record-breaking year with a “crazy increase in retail sales.” Hosts Priya...
Federal Regulation and Cannabis: Will Uncle Sam and Aunt Mary Jane Live Happily Ever After?
Episode 3
Now that many states have legalized recreational cannabis, hosts Priya Sopori, Michelle Mabugat, Alexa Steinberg and Steven Stein debate whether federal legalization is on the horizon in this edition of The Grass is Always Greenberg . Over/unders are offered on when it will happen, while the hosts ponder whether...
M&A in the Cannabis Sector
Episode 4
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em? In the wake of the industry’s evolution, many cannabis companies are contemplating corporate consolidation. In this edition of The Grass is Always Greenberg podcast, Alexa Steinberg and Michelle Mabugat investigate the reasons behind the rise of mergers and acquisitions in the cannabis space...
Cannabis and Banking
Episode 5
For cannabis companies, banking is anything but business as usual. In this edition of The Grass is Always Greenberg podcast, special guests Stacy Litke and Paul Dunford of Green Check Verified join Greenberg Glusker’s Alexa Steinberg, Priya Sopori and Steve Stein for a wide-ranging look at the unique challenges...
MJBizCon is Back: Takeaways from the 2021 Conference
Episode 6
MJBizCon is the largest and most anticipated event of the cannabis business year, and was held in person for the first since the start of the pandemic. Greenberg Glusker’s Michelle Mabugat, Priya Sopori and Steven Stein participated in the events surrounding this year’s conference in Las Vegas. In this edition of...
Eastward Bound: Cannabis Market Trends, Taxation, and More
Episode 7
The Cannabis industry is expanding all over the country, especially towards the east coast where more and more states are legalizing its use. In this edition of “The Grass is Always Greenberg,” Mike Goral, National Cannabis and Hemp Tax Partner in Charge at Armanino LLP joins Greenberg Glusker’s Michelle...
Mississippi’s Burning Issue
Episode 8
Does the punishment fit the crime? That is the burning issue in a Mississippi case that “The Grass is Always Greenberg” examines in depth. Greenberg Glusker’s Michelle Mabugat, Priya Sopori, Alexa Steinberg and Steven Stein discuss the matter of a 36-year old black man convicted of possessing slightly over...
Insert Your Prediction for 2022 Here
Episode 9
2022 marks the 5-year anniversary of recreational legality in California, but the Golden State is still trying to figure out how to regulate the market and play catch up with the industry. In our inaugural episode of the year, “The Grass is Always Greenberg” looks at what we can...
Super Bowl Shuffle? Why You Didn’t See Cannabis Ads during the Big Game
Episode 10
Why can sports gambling sites, beer and alcohol brands and crypto companies advertise during the Super Bowl when cannabis companies cannot? Greenberg Glusker’s Steve Stein, Alexa Steinberg and Priya Sopori, in this edition of “The Grass is Always Greenberg,” look at one cannabis company’s attempt to generate a discussion...
Overview of California’s New Proposed Cannabis Regulations
Episode 11
California’s Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has set forth proposals aimed at simplifying and streamlining regulations to refine and strengthen the Golden State’s cannabis framework. In this edition of “The Grass is Always Greenberg,” Greenberg Glusker’s Alexa Steinberg, Michelle Mabugat and Steve Stein discuss the proposed regulations and what...
It’s Lit? Insight into the Increase in Cannabis-Related Litigation in California
Episode 12
In this edition of “The Grass is Always Greenberg,” Greenberg Glusker’s Alexa Steinberg and Steve Stein discuss the latest trends in cannabis litigation and how cannabis cases often have special considerations. Steve also shares what he learned at the Cannabis Industry Civil Litigation and ADR conference put on by...
Four Takeaways for 4/20
Episode 13
4/20 is considered a national holiday for cannabis. It has become a big business day for the cannabis industry and a day to mark how far the cannabis sector has come. This edition of “The Grass is Always Greenberg” celebrates the occasion with four updates on significant regulations and...
A Path Toward Legalizing Interstate Cannabis Sales? Analyzing California Senate Bill 1326
Episode 14
Cannabis remains illegal federally and in many states. The states that have legalized cannabis have a confusing patchwork of rules and regulations. As such, crossing state lines can create major problems in the cannabis space. California Senate Bill No. 1326 proposes to help address this issue by allowing licensed...
Proposition 65 – Changes That Will Impact the Cannabis Sector
Episode 15
The Grass is Always Greenberg welcomes Greenberg Glusker Environmental Law Partner, Sedina Banks, to discuss changes to California’s Proposition 65, officially known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. Sedina shares her views with colleagues Priya Sopori, Michelle Mabugat, Alexa Steinberg and Steven Stein on...
Lower Taxes, More Problems? Unpacking the Impact of AB195 on California’s Cannabis Industry
Episode 16
California has finally enacted a law, AB195, that provides tax relief for cannabis distributers. But what might seem at first glance to be a win for the cannabis industry potentially complicates things for retailers and consumers. On this edition of The Grass is Always Greenberg, Greenberg Glusker attorneys Priya...
Is the Grass Greener? Weighing the Risks and Rewards of Celebrity Branding in the Cannabis Industry – The 2022 Cannalaw Summit: Part 1
Episode 17
The Grass is Always Greenberg alters its format for a special two-part series covering the 2022 Cannalaw Summit: Weighing the Risks and Rewards of Celebrity Branding in the Cannabis Industry. Greenberg Glusker’s Priya Sopori and Alexa Steinberg were featured speakers at the event, attended by over 100 cannabis industry...
Is the Grass Greener? Weighing the Risks and Rewards of Celebrity Branding in the Cannabis Industry – The 2022 Cannalaw Summit: Part 2
Episode 18
In Part 2 of a two-part series, The Grass is Always Greenberg features another excerpt from the 2022 Cannalaw Summit: Weighing the Risks and Rewards of Celebrity Branding in the Cannabis Industry. Priya Sopori and Alexa Steinberg discuss, as panelists, the future of cannabis marketing, Will the new frontier...
The Impact of the Wrigley Lawsuit on Cannabis IP Rights
Episode 19
Greenberg Glusker intellectual property lawyer Elizabeth (Liz) Sbardellati joins cannabis practice colleagues Michelle Mabugat, Priya Sopori and Alexa Steinberg to chew over a landmark case in intellectual property law in this edition of “The Grass is Always Greenberg.” Liz examines the recent federal trademark infringement lawsuit concerning famed candy...
A Changed Legal Landscape? Analyzing California’s New Cannabis Laws
Episode 20
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a slew of laws that could reshape California’s cannabis industry. In the first of a series of episodes analyzing these laws, Greenberg Glusker attorneys Priya Sopori, Steve Stein, and Michelle Mabugat provide an overview of what Governor Newsom signed and how it will impact...
Cannabis and Bankruptcy Laws
Episode 21
Greenberg Glusker bankruptcy and financial restructuring partner Keith Banner joins his colleagues Alexa Steinberg and Steve Stein for a look at the intersection of cannabis and bankruptcy law. Can cannabis companies obtain protections under bankruptcy law? If not, why? What alternatives do cannabis companies have to filing for bankruptcy? And what might...
Have Employer Drug Tests Gone Up in Smoke?
Episode 22
Greenberg Glusker Employment Partner Karina Sterman joins Priya Sopori, Steve Stein and Michelle Mabugat to discuss new legislation enacted in California, AB 2188, which affects the ability of employers to discharge or refuse to hire employees based on their off-duty use of cannabis. While the law does not take...
(C)CRE: An Intro To Cannabis Commercial Real Estate
Episode 23
On September 20, 2022, Greenberg Glusker’s Michelle Mabugat moderated “Entering The Cannabis Industry: Licensing, Regulatory Policy & Getting Projects Off of the Ground,” part of BISNOW’s California Cannabis CRE Conference. The panel, which included Michelle Garakian (Interim Exec. Director, City of LA Dept. of Cannabis Regulation), delves into topics...
Five Years of Legal Recreational Cannabis in California: Are Smoother Roads Ahead?
Episode 24
We recently passed the five-year anniversary of recreational cannabis being legal in California. But the industry isn’t exactly popping the (CBD-infused) champagne. There are a lot of lessons to be learned from California’s roll out of legal pot. Join Greenberg Glusker attorneys Steve Stein and Michelle Mabugat as they...
Labor Peace Agreements (LPAs): Critical Considerations In Negotiating Your First Dealings With Unions
Episode 25
Greenberg Glusker’s Dan Stone joins Alexa Steinberg to discuss essential points to consider – and pitfalls to avoid – in any cannabis venture’s first dealings with labor unions. Unionization ultimately depends on employees’ desire to join, but an LPA can set the tone for your interactions with the unions...