Global Mindset. Local Instinct.

Cannabis Law and Regulation

attorney Andrew Koussevitzky

Biography

Practice Areas

Education

Bar Admissions


Biography

Andrew Koussevitzky is an attorney specializing in the intersection between corporate and regulatory law when it comes to cannabis and hemp. Andrew is based in Los Angeles, California advising his clients on local and state business licensing, land use and zoning, corporate transactions, and corporate compliance. Andrew is licensed to practice law in California, New York, and Florida. Andrew has been working with operators in highly regulated industries for many years and has been an advocate for legal cannabis since he began practicing law in 2010. Prior to his work as a corporate compliance and business attorney, Andrew practiced criminal defense where he primarily defended and advocated for individuals charged with cannabis related crimes.

Andrew is now seen as a thought leader in the cannabis community due to his vast experience in the field having advised hundreds of cannabis business operators. Andrew provides his clients with legal advice and representation in all facets of securing business licenses including the local and state licensing application process, standard operating procedures, pro formas, corporate formation, real estate, business plans, buy and sell agreements, and community benefits.

Andrew has spoken at numerous events regarding emerging industries and is an executive committee member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association's Cannabis Section. He is a graduate of St. Thomas School of Law in Miami, Florida. Andrew currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter. Prior to his career as an attorney, Andrew was a full-time touring musician and Capitol Records recording artist.


Practice Areas

  • Compliance & Investigations

Education

  • St. Thomas University School of Law, Miami Gardens, Florida
    • Juris Doctorate
  • Pepperdine University School of Law, Malibu, California
    • Winter Intensive Course – Negotiation & Arbitration
  • Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida
    • B.S., Bachelor of Science
    • Major: Legal Studies

Bar Admissions

  • California
  • Florida
  • New York

Professional Associations

  • Executive Committee Member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association Cannabis Section
  • NORML
  • National Cannabis Industry Association

Classes & Seminars

  • High Times Panel Speaker: The Effects of Proposition 64
  • “Ask a Cannabis Lawyer” Seminar Series Panel Speaker

Experience

  • Successfully advised hundreds of cannabis operators through the California cannabis licensing process.
  • Provided regulatory counsel for companies through mergers and acquisitions with aggregate transaction values over $30 million.
  • Extensive client defense experience in both misdemeanor and felony charges.
  • State and Federal Trademark Advising and Support
  • Advising on best practices for state and local compliance with respect to product and employee safety, security, labor, contractual agreements, and ongoing regulatory requirements.

Cannabis Mid-Summer Update: California

Summer is usually the slow season for legislation and rulemaking.  This summer is different as demonstrated by the following developments from the Governor’s desk and from the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). Governor Newsom’s Budget Bill Cultivation tax ends Effective July 1, 2022, the State of California indefinitely suspended the cultivation tax. Excise tax changes In 2023, retailers will be…

The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) continues to take steps in simplifying California’s robust set of cannabis regulations.

The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) continues to take steps in simplifying California’s robust set of cannabis regulations. On March 4, 2022, the DCC issued proposed rules as well as an explanation called the Initial Statement of Reasons.  In adopting these new rules the DCC’s goal is to further “consolidate, clarify, and make consistent” licensing and enforcement regulations across all…

Top 10 Stories in Cannabis in 2021

In the midst of a global pandemic and the health crisis that ensued 2021 was a notable year for the cannabis industry.   While the overall trends were positive there were some disturbing developments in the biggest single state market-California. National Congress Tries and Fails to Enact Meaningful Legislation Hope emerged in Congress with the introduction of 69 bills or resolutions…