Foley Hoag Expands Cannabis Practice with Addition of Michael C. McQueeny and Andrew Smith
09/29/2020
Foley Hoag Expands Cannabis Practice with Addition of Michael C. McQueeny and Andrew Smith
Michael C. McQueeny and Andrew Smith have joined Foley Hoag LLP as counsel and senior policy advisor in the firm’s Cannabis practice, respectively. Both McQueeny and Smith will be resident in the firm’s New York office.
Foley Hoag has been at the forefront of the medical and adult-use cannabis industry since the very early stages of its regulation and legalization in specific states. Its leading, full-service Cannabis practice is comprised of attorneys and policy advisors with unique insight and experience to assist cannabis and cannabis-related operators and investors with all aspects of their business. The practice is national and international in scope, and has represented cannabis clients in transactions in a variety of states and Canada.
As counsel, McQueeny advises businesses, including investors, processors, distributors, retailers and cultivators, on the regulation of the cannabis and CBD industry, with a primary focus on New Jersey, which is considering an adult use referendum in November, and New York. He also counsels clients regarding licensing of cannabis and CBD-related entities and advises them on federal and state legislation and regulations and local laws governing the growth, processing, sale and use of cannabis.
As a senior policy advisor, Smith focuses on highly regulated companies within the cannabis sector, providing counsel, guidance and strategy for government relations to businesses and trade associations at the state and federal levels of government.
“Both Mike and Andrew have considerable experience navigating the complex regulatory landscape of the cannabis industry,” said Foley Hoag Co-Managing Partner Kenneth Leonetti. “Their addition to our firm not only expands the depth of our Cannabis practice but greatly benefits our clients who are looking to identify emerging opportunities in New Jersey and New York, among other jurisdictions.”
Prior to joining Foley Hoag, McQueeny was counsel at Genova Burns LLC as well as co-chair of that firm’s Cannabis practice group. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Syracuse University and a Juris Doctorate from Villanova University School of Law. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at New York Law School, teaching cannabis law. McQueeny will be leading Foley Hoag’s New Jersey efforts with the state considering an adult use referendum in November.
Smith was previously the executive vice president of government relations and external affairs at Parallel, one of the fastest growing cannabis companies in the world. He is an alum of Georgetown University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and history. Smith was also former Finance Director & Senior Advisor to Governor Terrence R. McAuliffe in Arlington, Virginia.
Foley Hoag Expands Cannabis Practice with Addition of Michael C. McQueeny and Andrew Smith
Michael C. McQueeny and Andrew Smith have joined Foley Hoag LLP as counsel and senior policy advisor in the firm’s Cannabis practice, respectively. Both McQueeny and Smith will be resident in the firm’s New York office.
Foley Hoag has been at the forefront of the medical and adult-use cannabis industry since the very early stages of its regulation and legalization in specific states. Its leading, full-service Cannabis practice is comprised of attorneys and policy advisors with unique insight and experience to assist cannabis and cannabis-related operators and investors with all aspects of their business. The practice is national and international in scope, and has represented cannabis clients in transactions in a variety of states and Canada.
As counsel, McQueeny advises businesses, including investors, processors, distributors, retailers and cultivators, on the regulation of the cannabis and CBD industry, with a primary focus on New Jersey, which is considering an adult use referendum in November, and New York. He also counsels clients regarding licensing of cannabis and CBD-related entities and advises them on federal and state legislation and regulations and local laws governing the growth, processing, sale and use of cannabis.
As a senior policy advisor, Smith focuses on highly regulated companies within the cannabis sector, providing counsel, guidance and strategy for government relations to businesses and trade associations at the state and federal levels of government.
“Both Mike and Andrew have considerable experience navigating the complex regulatory landscape of the cannabis industry,” said Foley Hoag Co-Managing Partner Kenneth Leonetti. “Their addition to our firm not only expands the depth of our Cannabis practice but greatly benefits our clients who are looking to identify emerging opportunities in New Jersey and New York, among other jurisdictions.”
Prior to joining Foley Hoag, McQueeny was counsel at Genova Burns LLC as well as co-chair of that firm’s Cannabis practice group. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Syracuse University and a Juris Doctorate from Villanova University School of Law. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at New York Law School, teaching cannabis law. McQueeny will be leading Foley Hoag’s New Jersey efforts with the state considering an adult use referendum in November.
Smith was previously the executive vice president of government relations and external affairs at Parallel, one of the fastest growing cannabis companies in the world. He is an alum of Georgetown University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and history. Smith was also former Finance Director & Senior Advisor to Governor Terrence R. McAuliffe in Arlington, Virginia.
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