Attorneys Advising Cannabis Businesses: Expert Insights on Cannabis Compliance from Cultivation to Consumer Licensing Strategies, Financial Risk Management, and State-by-State Regulatory Guidance

William M. X. Wolfe| Harris Beach Murtha

William Michael Xavier Wolfe is a Chicago native, first-generation college graduate and law graduate. He is an experienced attorney with a diverse practice that includes municipal law, cannabis law, creditors’ rights and complex commercial litigation.

William advises municipalities on various legal matters, from regulatory compliance to litigation. He also counsels cannabis applicants on the New York State licensing process and guides businesses and ancillary companies through the complexities of state regulations. He simplifies complex legal challenges with clear, actionable guidance—so clients are always prepared, never surprised.

William represents creditors in financial restructuring and bankruptcy litigation matters and contract disputes involving substantial financial stakes. His background includes extensive work with long-term care facilities, commercial entities and clients navigating insolvency challenges.

William has also worked in-house at a major private university, handling labor and employment matters, litigation and tax-related issues. His experience in higher education law gives him a unique perspective on the complex regulatory environment educational institutions face.

William is a frequent speaker on cannabis law and remains actively involved in legal and community organizations. He earned his J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law, where he received the Outstanding Graduate Award for the Class of 2020. He also serves as an Advocacy Fellow, coaching one of the law school’s highly competitive intercollegiate advocacy teams.

William is committed to providing practical, business-oriented solutions to meet clients’ needs across industries. He provides straightforward legal guidance to navigate complexity and stay ahead of the unexpected, so clients can move forward with confidence.

Julia Evans | Harris Beach Murtha

Julia C. Evans is a recognized authority in cannabis law, advising individuals, startups, and established businesses on navigating the evolving regulatory landscape. Her work encompasses contract disputes, licensing issues, compliance strategies, enforcement actions, and civil litigation, with a strong focus on translating complex cannabis laws into practical legal solutions. Julia is also highly experienced in alternative dispute resolution, including arbitration, mediation, and administrative hearings.

A frequent contributor to the cannabis legal discourse, Julia regularly publishes on state-level enforcement crackdowns, licensing rollouts, regulatory compliance, and emerging alternatives like cannabis receiverships. Her insights, particularly regarding New York’s dynamic cannabis market, have been featured in client alerts, industry articles, and panel discussions. She also serves as a speaker at cannabis law roundtables and professional events, providing clear guidance on new regulations and enforcement trends.

In addition to her cannabis practice, Julia is an associate with Harris Beach Murtha’s National Tier 1 Mass Torts and Industry-Wide Litigation team. She represents manufacturers, distributors, and property owners in complex litigation involving cosmetic, electrical, automotive, and industrial equipment. Her litigation practice includes drafting pleadings, managing discovery, preparing expert witnesses, and developing trial strategy. Julia is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey and holds a JD from Hofstra University and a BA from Adelphi University.

I. Federal vs. state cannabis law conflicts and trends | 1:00pm – 1:15pm

II. National examination of cannabis legalization in 2025 | 1:15pm –1:30pm

III. Licensing, structuring, and regulatory compliance for cannabis businesses | 1:30pm – 1:45pm

IV. Cultivation, production, distribution, and retail compliance | 1:45pm – 2:00pm

Break | 2:00pm – 2:10pm

V. State-specific regulatory updates: NY, NJ, CT, MA, MN | 2:10pm – 2:25pm

VI. Banking, taxation (280E), and financial compliance | 2:25pm – 2:40pm

VII. Employment and workplace issues in the cannabis industry | 2:40pm – 2:50pm

VIII. Litigation risks and enforcement trends | 2:50pm – 3:00pm

IX. Practical strategies for regulatory adherence and risk mitigation | 3:00pm – 3:10pm