Cannabis Law

Legal Guidance for New York’s Emerging Cannabis Industry

Expanding in Astoria?

Your Trusted Advisor in Cannabis Business Law

With the legalization of recreational cannabis use in New York, the opportunities in this industry are substantial—but so are the regulatory challenges. As the state rolls out its Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), business owners and investors must navigate a web of municipal regulations and administrative policies to enter the market successfully. SL Law Group provides the legal expertise you need to build a compliant, profitable cannabis business. From licensing to zoning, we guide you through each step, so you can focus on growing your enterprise while staying compliant.

Our Process

Here's how we help.

At SL Law Group, our attorneys bring a wealth of experience in New York’s land use, zoning, and commercial regulations. We understand the complex requirements for entering the cannabis industry and help you address each regulatory detail with confidence. Our legal support is designed to minimize risks and maximize opportunities for cannabis entrepreneurs, whether you’re applying for a license, setting up a cultivation site, or planning a dispensary.

Navigating Licensing and Compliance

Securing a cannabis license in New York requires a detailed understanding of the MRTA and evolving regulations from the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). SL Law Group assists you in preparing your license application, ensuring it meets all necessary requirements. We also guide you through compliance standards for product testing, labeling, and packaging, helping you build a compliant and reputable business from the ground up.

Addressing Zoning and Land Use Requirements

Choosing the right location for your cannabis business is critical, as zoning and land use laws heavily impact where cannabis operations are permitted. Our attorneys at SL Law Group leverage years of experience in New York’s zoning laws to help you identify suitable properties, secure necessary permits, and ensure your business complies with local regulations. We handle interactions with city boards and navigate zoning restrictions to position your business for long-term success.

Building Social Equity and Community Compliance

New York’s cannabis regulations emphasize social equity, public health, and community engagement. SL Law Group helps you align your business with these goals by guiding you through community compliance requirements and building an equitable business model. We work with you to address public health standards, develop responsible marketing practices, and build positive relationships within the community.

Why Choose SL Law Group?

The cannabis industry in New York is evolving rapidly, and having experienced legal counsel is essential to navigating its complexities. Here’s why SL Law Group is the trusted choice for cannabis business owners and investors across NYC:

  • Comprehensive Industry Insight: With extensive knowledge of New York’s zoning, commercial, and cannabis regulations, we help you anticipate challenges and build a legally sound business from the start.
  • Personalized Legal Guidance: As a boutique firm, we offer tailored support that addresses the unique needs of cannabis entrepreneurs, from initial licensing to operational compliance.
  • Commitment to Social Responsibility: We understand the importance of social equity and community engagement in the cannabis industry. Our team is dedicated to helping you align your business practices with New York’s public health and safety goals.

Nora Ch

Nikon and Steven were great in helping my husband and I with our closing. Very knowledgeable. Young and tech savvy (as opposed to some other lawyers we’ve worked with who sent us hand written edits to our contracts…) Very prompt at replying. Highly recommend.

Georgia

As a real estate client, this firm helped us draft up legal documents in no time at all. They got back to us quickly and made it a seamless operation, especially as we were facing time constraints. I highly recommend and will work with this law office again. Thanks, Nikon and Team. You couldn't have chosen a better partner than Steven Simicich! Good luck Guys! I'll def. be back soon.

J Park

Professional and friendly. Nikon is passionate about what he does and is very communicative with his clients. Would like to work with him again.

Christopher Wick

Nikon was very professional and thorough throughout the whole buying process. Would recommend to anyone looking for a smooth home buying process. đź‘Ť

Heather Trnka

Nikon is a great attorney to have on your side. He is quick to reply and is knowledgeable about the law. Nikon works hard on detailed documents that may slip the uneducated eye. My husband and I are very pleased with his work and we are happy home owners now because of his dedication to his work. We highly recommend him!

Gabriel Ruiz

Nikon is great he helped me sell my home and even gave me rice crispy treats made my his wife that were amazingly delicious

David Allen

The best of the best. High integrity and a firm that cares and guides me through every step of the process. Can't say enough great things. Thank you.

Joan Casey

Nikon and Tatiana were great to work with. We used them for a recent co-op purchase and they were by far the smoothest part of the process: professional, competent, timely, and reasonably priced. I would recommend them and would certainly use them again in the future. Thanks!

Nafiza Akter

Nikon is extremely meticulous, timely, and thoughtful; he took his time to really understand our needs, gave us honest and helpful information, and made sure we were well informed throughout the entire process. I was also, quite frankly, astonished by how pleasant he was to work with. It is reassuring to know that such a good (both at his job and as a person) attorney is in the neighborhood should we need his services again!

Amanda Dallara

Though this review is quite long, it honestly is only a small token of my and my husband's appreciation towards the work Nikon Limberis put into securing our new home. Nikon worked as our buyer's attorney for a cooperative apartment we sought to purchase in Queens, NY. This was our first buying experience and from the moment we met him, Nikon was professional, informative and even charismatic despite the closing process being rather boring. We felt comfortable discussing everything with him. As my husband dealt with all the formalities, I observed that Nikon was always a phone call away, a great communicator, and stayed on top of both our co-op board and mortgage lender. Moreover, he worked diligently to fulfill my husband's request that our closing take place before we left for our honeymoon. Even when our mortgage lender literally CANCELLED our closing an hour before it was supposed to take place, Nikon immediately stepped in, worked to resolve [someone else's] mistakes, and demanded we stay on schedule. He made sure that we always moved forward. And only because of him, did we succeed and close on our new place two days before we left! I seriously doubt any other lawyer in NYC would have persisted as much as Nikon did. I didn't realize how much a good lawyer meant until we dealt with our closing and saw the effort he put into resolving every issue that popped up (and believe me, there were TONS that were OTHER PEOPLE'S faults). Thank you Nikon and I look forward to working with you again in the future! I apologize for this being so lengthy!

Sheila Horgan

Nikon did the closing on our home. Very happy with the friendly, attentive service.

T R

We recently worked with Nikon and his firm for a real estate transaction. Everything went very smoothly all thanks to Nikon's superb attention to detail. He was available to answer all of my ten million questions :-). In addition he followed up with bank attorney etc to make sure we get closing done on time. I appreciate his dedication for his clients. I highly recommend Nikon and the law firm.

Michael Depuy

We worked with Limberis Law on two real estate transactions and we couldn't be happier with our experience during both engagements. We worked with Nikon and were impressed by his attention to detail, ability to breakdown complex topics, as well as the prompt turnaround when we asked questions. Nikon's ability to work with attorneys on the other side of the deal was also a huge plus in both instances.

Georganne Lopez

The SL Law Group has been a fantastic asset to my family.They helped us with complicated trusts,and wills.And always with a smile and friendly attitude.Dealing with these legal aspects of life can be anxiety producing,but Steve and his group helped make the process much easier!

maria sacino

Steven was beyond the best! Upmost professional and dedicated. From start to finish, I can't thank him and Nikon enough. They follow-through and are very assuring in matters they handle.

Luc AZUR

I am a new client and what I have experienced with the firm is a very good service, very professional, direct to the point and always looking for solutions.
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Client Success Stories


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FAQs about Cannabis Law

  • What licenses are required to operate a cannabis business in New York?

    The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) issues various licenses for cultivation, distribution, and retail operations. Our attorneys can help you determine which license you need and guide you through the application process

  • How do zoning laws affect cannabis businesses?

    Zoning laws dictate where cannabis businesses can operate. Our attorneys assist with site selection, securing permits, and ensuring compliance with local zoning restrictions, allowing your business to operate in an approved location.




  • What are the social equity requirements for cannabis businesses?

    New York’s cannabis law emphasizes social equity, including provisions to support businesses owned by individuals from marginalized communities. SL Law Group helps you understand and meet these requirements, fostering a compliant and community-focused business.




  • What are the costs associated with legal representation for cannabis businesses?

    Costs vary based on the services needed, from licensing to ongoing compliance support. SL Law Group offers competitive rates and provides an initial consultation to discuss your specific needs and cost structure.



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