Accelerate Cannabis: Mid-Atlantic Summit 2025

Co-Chair of the Cannabis Law Practice Gregg H. Hilzer presented “Legalization in Newer Markets” and “Turnaround Options in Cannabis” at the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Summit hosted by Accelerate Cannabis on Oct. 29 at The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, PA.

During the panel “Legalization in Newer Markets,” Gregg was joined by speakers Courtney Davis, Deputy Director of the MD Office Social Equity, Ellie Siegel, CEO of Longview Strategic, Joshua Sanderlin, Commissioner of the DE Office of Marijuana and Damien Cornwell, President of the Cannabis Association of NY, to explore the successes and challenges that were unique to the NJ, NY, DE and MD markets, as well as issues faced by all markets. In particular, discussion covered Delaware’s recent launch of its adult-use market, Maryland’s unique Office of Social Equity assisting new cannabis operators, New York’s challenges dealing with unlicensed operators and factors that potential operators should think about before entering an adult-use market.

For the panel “Turnaround Opportunities in Cannabis,” Gregg presented alongside Tauhid Chappell, Executive Director of the NJ Business Action Center, and Ellie Siegel, CEO of Longview Strategic, on common financial and operational issues that lead to cannabis businesses into trouble, and the options that cannabis businesses have to navigate those issues.

The Summit was a first-of-its-kind event that convened regional industry and policy leaders in the cannabis space to share insights on guidance and strategies on the Mid-Atlantic’s emerging cannabis markets. Presentations focused on drawing lessons from more mature markets in New Jersey, Maryland and New York to navigate the legislative and regulatory developments in states like Pennsylvania, Delaware and Virginia.