At Seligson Law, we help cannabis operators stay compliant, respond to regulatory violations, and protect their licenses. Our New York cannabis attorneys work with licensed operators to develop strong compliance plans, prepare for inspections, and address violations before they threaten your business.
Regulatory Compliance & Violation Defense for New York Cannabis Operators
New York’s cannabis regulations are detailed, rapidly evolving, and strictly enforced. Staying compliant protects your license and your ability to grow.
At Seligson Law, we assist cannabis operators in building strong compliance programs specifically tailored to the unique challenges of operating in New York. That includes:
- Compliance Planning: We help you design and document internal systems that align with Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) requirements, from recordkeeping and inventory protocols to operating procedures and workforce compliance.
- Inspection Readiness: We audit your policies, training materials, and operational records to prepare you for site visits and surprise inspections. If you’re new to the space, we can help you develop your Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) from the ground up.
- Violation Response & License Defense: If you’ve received a Notice of Violation, a Statement of Findings, or are facing enforcement based on Category 1 or 2 violations, we move fast. We’ll assess your exposure, prepare a strategic response, and where appropriate, help you submit a Corrective Action Plan that protects your license. Don’t wait until the Board votes to suspend; early intervention is critical.
We don’t sugarcoat things. If there’s a problem, we’ll help you fix it. If there’s a path forward, we’ll find it. Our job is to help you stay open, stay compliant, and stay ready for what’s next.
Our New York Cannabis Compliance & Enforcement Process
At Seligson Law, we offer proactive and strategic support to help cannabis businesses stay in good standing with the state. Here’s how we typically work:
Risk Assessment & Intake
We begin with a confidential discussion to understand your current operations, compliance concerns, and any active regulatory issues.
Policy & Operations Review
We review your SOPs, employee training, surveillance setup, reporting systems, and OCM filings to identify compliance gaps and offer clear fixes.
Strategic Defense or Remediation
If you’re responding to a violation, we help you prepare a corrective action plan, respond to OCM inquiries, and advocate for a resolution that protects your license and limits exposure.
Ongoing Regulatory Support
We provide ongoing legal support to help you adapt to new regulations, maintain good standing, and avoid common compliance pitfalls.
FAQs
What kinds of cannabis violations can lead to license suspension or revocation in New York?
Violations that can trigger enforcement include diversion of cannabis, unauthorized transfers of ownership, failure to allow inspections, falsified records, operating without required approvals, or criminal activity. In many cases, submitting a timely and effective Corrective Action Plan can preserve your business and avoid more serious consequences.
If you have received a Notice of Violation, a Statement of Findings, or other formal correspondence from the Office, it is critical to act quickly. We help you understand the nature and severity of the alleged violation, including whether it qualifies as a Category 1 Violation, which involves imminent risk to public health or safety or a Category 2 Violation, which is serious but may be cured.
How can I prepare for an OCM inspection?
Ensure your SOPs, surveillance, training records, and inventory logs and tags are up to date and aligned with your license type. We can conduct a mock audit to identify areas for improvement before regulators arrive.
What happens if I get a Notice of Violation?
You’ll need to respond promptly and thoroughly. We help you understand the scope of the issue, draft a compliant Corrective Action Plan, and implement any necessary changes to reduce further risk.
What is a Corrective Action Plan and when do I need one?
A Corrective Action Plan (CAP) is a written response required by the Office of Cannabis Management when a cannabis licensee is found out of compliance. A CAP outlines the steps you will take to address and resolve the issue, prevent recurrence, and bring your operations into full compliance.
You may be required to submit a CAP after receiving a Notice of Violation, a Statement of Findings, or failing a routine inspection. A strong CAP can reduce penalties and prevent license suspension or revocation. We draft legally defensible CAPs tailored to the exact violation and regulatory expectations.
Can you help if my license has already been suspended?
Yes. We can step in to evaluate your position, communicate with the OCM, and guide you through the process of seeking reinstatement or resolving enforcement actions.
Contact Seligson Law About New York Cannabis Compliance & Violation Defense
Navigating compliance in New York’s cannabis market takes focus, strategy, and the right legal partner. Whether you’re fine-tuning your internal systems or dealing with an urgent regulatory issue, we’re here to help you protect what you’ve built. Reach out today to get started.
