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Andy Sick is an attorney with Mr. Cannabis Law, a cannabis and psychedelics firm that practices in several states, including New York. Sick answered eight simple questions for NY Cannabis Insider’s “People to know” series.
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What is your position and what do you/your company do in the cannabis space?
I am an attorney with Mr. Cannabis Law, a distinguished full-service law firm focused on the cannabis industry, where I am in charge of firm operations for New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Michigan.
I represent various cannabis-related businesses on such matters as corporate structuring, licensing, and financing. Some of my work includes handling marijuana license applications, business plans and operating procedures for dispensaries, cultivators, nurseries, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, delivery services and testing facilities.
How long have you worked in the cannabis space?
Five years.
What did you do before you were involved in the cannabis industry?
I was a business, startup, and transactional attorney.
What led you to the cannabis industry?
I’ve had a deep love and respect for cannabis and other medicinal plants for as long as I can remember. After I started my own law firm, I knew cannabis was going to be a part of my practice. I wanted to combine my expertise in helping businesses and startups with cannabis and psychedelics.
Despite some work in the cannabis space, my firm was still primarily focused on working with normal businesses. When it became clear that the states that I have bar licenses in – NY, NJ, CT, and MI – were going to legalize cannabis, I knew it was time to get into the industry in a bigger way.
I immediately called Dustin Robinson, founder of the law firm Mr. Cannabis Law, to see if there was a way we could work together. I had first met Dustin during my work on projects for Decriminalize Nature in New York City and knew he had a thriving cannabis practice in other states. Things just clicked and I was able to open up big Northeast markets of the U.S. to Mr. Cannabis Law due to my bar licenses there. From then on, we were off to the races, and it’s been a wonderful journey. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this movement at this place and time.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into the NY weed industry?
Do your research and due diligence before you jump in. This is a complicated, highly regulated, fast-paced industry. Also, be aware that things take more time than you expect to develop. That being said, there are tons of opportunities out there for people to get involved. Once you know what your niche is going to be, just go for it. Patience is key though.
What do you think the NY cannabis ecosystem will look like in five years?
I’m really looking forward to what New York’s cannabis ecosystem will look like in five years. While the initial rollout of the Office of Cannabis Management’s program for New York has been rocky, they’re doing a lot of things right for the future.
I love how the state is going to allow more Cannabis Grower Showcase-like events moving forward and the potential of Amsterdam-style cafes. There is going to be a huge cannabis tourism market with things like micro license holders having inns and resorts Upstate dedicated to cannabis.
New York’s farmers are really going to be helped. What a beautiful new industry to open up … it’s not like some heavy industrial manufacturing with all the pollution and baggage attached, instead it brings innumerable positives. I think it’s going to change the whole vibe of the State in a wonderful way.
Do you use cannabis? If so, what’s your favorite method?
Yes, I occasionally use flower for medicinal purposes.
Who should contact you, and what’s the best method?
Email asick@mrcannabislaw.com or call our office at 786-526-1155.