Ansell Grimm & Aaron Welcomes Scott Jacobsen

Ansell Grimm October 28, 2022

We are pleased to welcome Scott R. Jacobsen, Esq. as an associate at Ansell Grimm & Aaron PC. Scott comes to Ansell Grimm from an established New York firm where he focused on securities class action litigation and other complex litigation, including the investigation of corporate books and records to evaluate potential claims on behalf of shareholders.
Previously, Mr. Jacobsen interned with the Office of the Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and with the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia before graduating from William & Mary Law School.

Ansell Clients Secure Cannabis Licenses

Ansell Grimm October 28, 2022

Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC is proud to congratulate its clients for securing cannabis licenses from the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission at the October 27, 2022 meeting:

DMW Holdings, LLC – Manufacturing License
Arbory Wellness, LLC – Dispensary License
Canopy Crossroad – Dispensary License

Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC October 2022 Cannabis Law Update

Ansell Grimm October 18, 2022

Joshua S. Bauchner flanked by his Ansell Grimm & Aaron PC colleagues, as he was recently honored as one of the “Innovators of the Year” by the New Jersey Law Journal. — Joshua S. Bauchner, center, flanked by his Ansell Grimm & Aaron PC colleagues, was recently honored by the New Jersey Law Journal as one of its “Innovators of the Year” for 2022. Bauchner is a leading voice in the legal cannabis community, aiding clients in navigating state regulations to find success in the growing cannabis marketplace.

CRC Issues Guidance On WIRES; Raises More Questions Than Answers

On September 9, 2022, the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) issued long-awaited guidance regarding workplace impairment arising from cannabis use. While the guidance does not address all the issues that employers have faced in recent years, it does provide some needed clarity.

By way of background, on February 22, 2021, Governor Murphy signed the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMMA) into law. In addition to legalizing the use of marijuana for anyone aged 21 and over, CREAMMA prohibited employers from taking adverse employment action against an employee, such as termination, solely “due to the presence of cannabinoid metabolites in the employee’s bodily fluid.” In other words, under CREAMMA, a positive drug test result for marijuana is insufficient for an employer to conclude that an employee is impaired and to take disciplinary action. Instead, CREAMMA requires the employer to use a Workplace Impairment Recognition Expert (“WIRE”) to conduct “a physical evaluation in order to determine an employee’s state of impairment.”

However, CREAMMA did not establish what credentials, experience, or training a WIRE would need and instead directed the CRC to design and implement a certification process. After much delay, the CRC finally published some guidance to assist employers. While the new guidance does not formulate and approve standards for WIRE certification, it does state that a positive drug test result combined with “evidence-based documentation of physical signs or other evidence of impairment during an employee’s prescribed work hours may be sufficient to support an adverse employment action.”

While WIRE certification is unavailable, the CRC recommends that employers “[d]esignate an interim staff member to assist with making determinations of suspected cannabis use during an employee’s prescribed work hours.” The designated employee “[s]hould be sufficiently trained to determine impairment and qualified to complete [a] Reasonable Suspicion Observation Report [which is a form created by the CRC].”

The report should document “the behavior, physical signs, and evidence that support the employer’s determination that an employee is reasonably suspected of being under the influence during an employee’s prescribed work hours.” The CRC recommends that a second person in addition to the observer, such as a manager or supervisor, be involved as well. Employers should consider using “cognitive impairment test, a scientifically valid, objective, consistently repeatable, standardized automated test of an employee’s impairment, and/or an ocular scan, as physical signs or evidence to establish reasonable suspicion of cannabis use or impairment at work.”

Although this guidance is helpful in some respects, it still leaves employers with much uncertainty. The best course of action is for the CRC to adopt WIRE certification standards as soon as possible as the Legislature intended with the passage of CREAMMA.

Ansell Expands Cannabis Law Practice Group

The Firm added a number of new attorneys to the Practice Group to best serve clients in this multidisciplinary field. Kelsey Barber has taken the lead on applications, Irina Moin is assisting with corporate formation, structure, and governance, and Melanie Scroble and David Lang represent cannabis clients with commercial real estate needs, including leasing, site acquisition, and zoning. Rahool Patel also continues to represent clients in litigation matters, including the still ongoing (and successful) appeal of the 2018 Request for Applications, as well as challenges to municipalities for failing to employ objective criteria in awarding resolutions of support to prospective state applicants.

As a full-service law firm, Ansell attorneys are able to bring their collective experience and skills to serve every client need in this ever-growing, and ever-changing, area of the law.

Second Circuit Holds Classifying Cannabis As A Schedule I Narcotic Is Irrational; Does Nothing About It

According to a ruling recently handed down by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, the federal government’s classification of cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance without medical utility isn’t unconstitutional, but it is “irrational.”

In the matter of United States of America v. Green, Nos. 19-997(L), 19-1027 (Con), __F.4th__ , 2022 WL 3903654 (2d Cir. Aug. 31, 2022), defendants were charged by the United States District Court for the Western District of New York with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B) and 846. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the narcotics conspiracy count on the grounds that the classification of marijuana under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act violates their Fifth Amendment due process and equal protection rights, and that marijuana’s scheduling has no rational basis because it does not meet the statutory criteria for inclusion on Schedule I. The District Court therein denied defendants’ motion, finding they incorrectly sought to tether the rational basis inquiry to the statutory criteria.

On appeal the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the lower court’s decision, determining:

“[T]he Act’s scheduling criteria are largely irrelevant to our constitutional review because the rational basis test asks only whether Congress could have any conceivable basis for including marijuana on the strictest schedule. Because there are other plausible considerations that could have motivated Congress’s scheduling of marijuana, we conclude that its classification does not violate the [plaintiffs’] due process or equal protection rights.

While the Judges acknowledged that defendants “convincingly argued that it is irrational for the government to maintain that marijuana has no accepted medical use,” they ruled that defendants were required to “do more than show that the legislature’s stated assumptions are irrational; [they] must discredit any conceivable basis which could be advanced to support the challenged provision, regardless of whether that basis has a foundation in the record, or actually motivated the legislature.”

While disheartening, the Second Circuit’s ruling is consistent with other federal courts’ refusal to strike Schedule I classification, reasoning instead that it is the responsibility of federal lawmakers, not federal courts to repeal the prohibition on marijuana.

Psilocybin May Be Next On The List Of Legalized Substances In NJ

In recent years, efforts to decriminalize and legalize the use of psilocybin (colloquially known as “hallucinogenic mushrooms”) for medical, recreational and scientific purposes has been advancing rapidly. In the State of New Jersey, the potential passage of the “Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act” (the “Psilocybin Behavioral Act”), introduced by Senate President, Nick Scutari in June of 2022 would see such legalization and sale of hallucinogenic mushrooms in New Jersey businesses and medical facilities, similar to the State’s recent success in recreational cannabis facilities.

If passed, the Psilocybin Behavioral Act would authorize the production of psilocybin for therapeutic use under a controlled environment, and decriminalize and expunge past convictions for certain psilocybin related conduct, including possession.

Although the Psilocybin Behavioral Act posits itself as mental health, rather than revenue generation for the State, it does take some inspiration from the current Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization (CREAMM) Act. Specifically, applicants will be eligible to pursue four different types of licenses, including, a psilocybin product manufacturer, psilocybin service center operator, psilocybin testing laboratory, and psilocybin service facilitator, as well as a psilocybin worker permit.

Ansell Launches Psychedelics Practice

On the heels of its successful cannabis practice, which has included numerous granted licenses for its clients as well as successes in Court litigating cannabis matters, the Firm is excited to announce it is expanding into the realm of psychedelics.

The Firm has an established record in the cannabis space enabling us to serve our clients unlike any other area law firm. By example, we co-hosted the first-ever Cannabis Symposium in New Jersey which drew nearly a thousand people (two other Symposia followed). Joshua S. Bauchner, head of the practice group, is co-chair of the New Jersey State Bar Association Cannabis Law Committee, has spoken at the Cannabis World Congress and Business Expo at the Jacob Javits Center, and has presented CLE’s on cannabis at the NY and NJ State Bar Associations, and at the NORML Legal Conference in Aspen, among other fora across the country.

The Firm also recently was honored by the New Jersey Cannabis Insider as one of three finalists for Excellence in Cannabis Law and has been covered by numerous media outlets and published on the topic.

Now, with the federal government and many states looking to legalize psychedelics, Ansell is expanding the practice to include this emerging area of law. Please contact us at (973) 247-9000 if you are interested in exploring opportunities.

Biden Administration Open to Health Department Role in Potential Use of Psychedelic Therapies

The Biden Administration’s Department of Health and Human Services is actively anticipating that the FDA will approve psychedelic therapies — using psilocybin and MDMA — in the next two years, leading the way for alternative mental health treatments on a federal level.

The plan was revealed in a document coined the “May letter,” a correspondence sent by Assistant Secretary for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Miriam Delphin-Rittmon to Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-Pa.

Dean had contacted HHS and proposed an interagency task force to lead a public-private partnership to address issues associated with anticipated approval by the FDA of MDMA for the treatment of PTSD and psilocybin for depression “within approximately 24 months,” the letter notes.

Delphin-Rittmon responded:

“SAMHSA agrees that too many Americans are suffering from mental health and substance use issues, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and that we must explore the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies to address this crisis.”

Delphin thereafter confirmed that SAMHSA was exploring the prospect of establishing a Federal Task Force to monitor and address the numerous complex issues associated with emerging substances including the private sector, and that “collaboration across federal agencies with outside stakeholders will be the most effective way to ensure we are thoughtfully coordinating work on emerging substances.”

The letter marks an about-face from decades of federal drug policy, which classified psychedelics like MDMA and psilocybin as Schedule I narcotics, with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

About Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC
Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC was founded in 1929 and has a long history of delivering for clients who come to us to resolve legal matters that are often urgent, stressful, and of great importance. A general practice law firm, Ansell Grimm & Aaron is powered by experienced attorneys who understand that the best outcome is the one that serves the needs of each client.

About the Cannabis Law Practice
Among the leading cannabis firms on the East Coast, we work with cannabis entrepreneurs, industrial hemp producers, ancillary businesses and governing bodies seeking regulatory counsel.

The above is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Transmission of the materials and information contained herein is not intended to create, and receipt thereof does not constitute the formation of, an attorney-client relationship. Attorney advertising.

September 2022 Newsletter

Ansell Grimm September 26, 2022

Klein Helping Clients with Property Sales and Acquisitions Across the State

Jason S. Klein, Esq. (a) assisted a client in the acquisition of a 200-plus unit multifamily complex located in Morris County, through a membership interest purchase, which also included assistance with financing from a large regional bank and multiple 1031 exchanges; (b) assisted a client in the disposition of retail center on the boardwalk in Cape May county; (c) assisted a client in the sale and simultaneous disposition of a property in located on Route 22 in Somerset County; and (d) represented a client in the simultaneous acquisition of two retail properties in Monmouth County, from two (2) separate owners and assisted with negotiating and closing the acquisition financing in connection therewith with a large New Jersey-based bank.

Come See Us at the CAI Expo on October 20

The Community Association Practice Group will be exhibiting at the New Jersey Community Associations 2022 Annual Conference & Expo on October 20.
The 2022 CAI Conference & Expo will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Event Center @ iPlay America located at 110 Schanck Road, Freehold, NJ.
CAI’s Annual Conference & Expo provides learning and networking opportunities for homeowners, managers, and business partners. Registration is free for all homeowners and community association managers and includes complimentary breakfast and lunch, educational programs, and multiple chances to win $1,000 during the show (must be present to win).
When you are at the expo, please visit us at Booth #823. You can also contact David J. Byrne, Esq. if you wish to set up a meeting with one of our attorneys while you are at the conference.

Brodsky Wins Approval for Projects Across Monmouth County

Zoning and Land Use Department co-chair Rick Brodsky, Esq. had a very productive summer winning approval for several projects before municipal boards throughout the county.

In June, the Shrewsbury Land Use Board voted unanimously to grant Use Variance and site plan approval, permitting the Applicant, Restore Hyper Wellness, to operate a health and wellness facility for customers seeking general wellness and anti-aging services and athletic recovery, including natural reduction of inflammation at 1079 Broad St. In July The Marlboro Township Zoning Board voted unanimously to grant variance and site plan approval permitting the Waitt Funeral Home to undertake significant renovations, upgrades and additions to its existing, long-standing building on Route 79.

Also in July, the Ocean Township Zoning Board, unanimously approved the application of Gold Coast Cadillac, granting site plan approval, with variances, permitting the renovation/expansion of the existing Cadillac car dealership on Route 35.

In August, the Long Branch Planning Board adopted the Resolution of Approval for its July unanimous decision to permit a four-lot Major subdivision application from Chelsea LLC.

Moin, Oliver, and Sherman Join Ansell Grimm & Aaron

Three new attorneys, Irina Moin, Esq., Jonathan Sherman, Esq., and Leigh Oliver, Esq., have joined the firm. Ms. Moin is licensed to practice in NY and NJ and will be joining both the Corporate Finance and Banking Department and Cannabis Law Department.

Ms. Oliver is a new associate in the Family Law practice and Mr. Sherman is working in the Commercial Real Estate Department.

Bauchner Receives New Jersey Law Journal Innovator of the Year Award, Appointed to NJSBA Foundation Committees

Joshua S. Bauchner, Esq. has been named one of the New Jersey Law Journal’s “Innovators of the Year” for 2022. Bauchner is one of just four attorneys in the state selected for the honor.

Bauchner also has been appointed by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation to the Publication Oversight Committee and the Editorial Advisory Board of the Respect Newsletter for 2022-23 by Foundation President Kathleen N. Fennelly, Esq.

The New Jersey State Bar Foundation is committed to the principle that public understanding of our legal system is essential to preserving the liberties that are fundamental to our democracy.

Shapiro and Barber Win Relief Against Prospective Buyer’s False Claim

Through, targeted discovery, Lawrence Shapiro, Esq. and Kelsey Barber, Esq. succeeded in having a contract buyer dismiss its complaint to enforce a contract of sale and discharge a Lis Pendens recorded against AGA’s client’s commercial property. Plaintiff Lebanon 123, LLC sought to compel Kullman Associates, LLC to sell real property known as the Kullman Corporate Campus in Lebanon, New Jersey for $13,500,000.

Kullman terminated the contract and refused to transfer title claiming that Plaintiff failed to meet its contractual obligations, including fully funding the deposit. Despite representations from the title company escrow agent that the deposit was received, AGA’s strategic discovery uncovered evidence that the deposit was never fully funded and, in fact, what had been funded was returned to Plaintiff, even before the suit was filed. AGA then moved for summary judgment and put Plaintiff on notice of their claims being frivolous which resulted in Plaintiff voluntarily dismissing its complaint and freeing the property for Kullman’s use and remarketing.

Bauchner to Moderate NJSBA Cannabis Law seminar

Joshua Bauchner, Esq. and Lisa Gora, Esq. of Epstein Becker & Green, PC will moderate a discussion on the latest developments in cannabis law at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick, on October 26.

The topics covered in the seminar include:

Psychedelics — The New Cannabis
Cannabis in NJ Towns: Municipal and Local Applicant Perspectives
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

There will also be a Q & A session The event runs from 2-5 p.m. and a companion webcast will be available online. Attendees can receive Continuing Legal Education credit for NJ, PA, and NY. Information on the credits provided is available on the event registration page.

A happy hour will follow at the Law Center, after which the NJSBA Cannabis Law Committee, which Bauchner and Gora co-chair, will convene.

Court Case Corrects Planning Board Denial

Litigation Department co-chair Lawrence Shapiro, Esq. succeeded in overturning the Planning Board of the Borough of Rumson’s denial of an application to subdivide property into two developable lots.

In overcoming the Board’s decision on behalf of the applicant, Michael McCarty, Shapiro demonstrated that the Board had erred in siding with objecting neighbors in refusing to grant minimal variances of lot circle, front yard setback, and lot width/frontage.

Notably, the Court reversed the Board’s decision resulting in the approval of the subdivision, with variances, on behalf of the applicant. In doing so, the Court found the Board’s reasoning to be a “sham” for its desire to maintain larger lot sizes in the zone.

Rosenstein Wins Long Court Battle to Protect Client

Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC was retained by a trucking and rigging company after one of its employees sustained substantial injuries on a jobsite. Despite the project being covered by an Owner Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP), the contractor that retained our client failed to notify our client of the OCIP and did not enroll our client in the program. Making matters worse, our client’s insurance brokers failed to identify and advise the client about an exclusion in its commercial general liability policy that contained an “Absolute Employee and Worker Injury and Liability Exclusion endorsement,” leaving our client vulnerable to the claims asserted in the action. While our client was shielded against direct liability from the plaintiffs, the employee filed an action against the other entities involved in the project — some of whom subsequently filed a third-party action against our client.

Seth Rosenstein, Esq. of AGA’s litigation practice group handled this matter, aggressively defending the action and adding the client’s insurance brokers as fourth-party defendants on the basis that but for their negligence, the client would not have been left without insurance coverage for third-party action claims. After over four years of litigation, our efforts resulted in an ideal settlement whereby our client did not contribute any funds to the settlement and received a global release from all parties involved.

NJSBA to Honor Judge Mellaci

Ansell Grimm July 15, 2022

The Honorable Anthony J. Mellaci, Jr., retired Superior Court Judge, currently serving as Of Counsel with Ansell Grimm & Aaron will be honored by the New Jersey State Bar Association as Monmouth County’s Daniel J. O’Hern Professionalism Award winner.

The O’Hern Award is presented annually to an attorney who is a well-respected member of the legal community and exhibits integrity, competence, high ethical standards, career achievement and service to the bar and/or community. The award is named for the Honorable Daniel J. O’Hern, a retired associate justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court, and lifelong Monmouth County resident, who was an advisor to the Commission from its inception in 1996 until his passing in 2009.

Judge Mellaci is slated to receive the award at the NJSB’s July 19 luncheon at the Forsgate Country Club, Monroe.

July 2022 Newsletter

Ansell Grimm July 5, 2022

Axelrod Performing Arts Annual Gala Celebrates Honoree James G. Aaron

On Thursday, June 23, the Axelrod Performing Arts Center (APAC) invited guests to a Gala affair — an evening to honor James G. Aaron, Esq. The event celebrated Mr. Aaron as well as APAC’s mission to provide cultural arts to the community. The event is the theatre’s principal fundraiser of the year and ended with a special performance by Tony Award nominee, and Broadway Star, Jarrod Spector and his 10-piece band. “We’re excited to celebrate our longtime supporter and friend, Jimmy Aaron” said CEO Jess Levy. Mr. Aaron, a partner at Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC, has served as a leader and longtime board member supporting the expansion and advancement of APAC programming. “This event is both a spectacular party and an opportunity to applaud and support the work Jimmy’s contributions to APAC, and the mission of Axelrod Performing Arts Center’s innovative work, and cultural experience for theatre lovers.” Event organizer, Karen Rafiqi, coordinated the event along with dedicated APAC staff members. The Honorary Committee for the event included Co-Chairs, Elise Feldman and Ira Kreizman.

The Cannabis Law Practice Continues Training through the National Business Institute on July 19

The National Business Institute (NBI) is hosting a speaker event titled, “Marijuana Business Law in New Jersey.” NBI is an organization dedicated to providing continuing education and learning for professional. Joshua Bauchner will cover the following topics: Application Procedures: Avoiding Mistakes Grounds for License Refusal, License Renewals, License Transfers, Appealing Application Denials. This will be presented as a LIVE Online Seminar. Please click HERE for registration information.

MINI-ROUNDTABLE: Q&A Report with Cannabis Industry Experts and Advocates

Financier Worldwide Magazine, publisher of the quarterly e-magazine, Corporate Disputes, reached out to Ansell Grimm & Aaron’s Cannabis Law Practice Chair, Joshua Bauchner, to participate in a special Q&A report titled, “Cannabis Regulation and the Litigation Landscape.” This report is available online and registration is free. Please click HERE to be directed to the latest edition.

Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC Celebrates Nomination at New Jersey’s First-Ever Cannabis Industry Awards Gala

Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC attended the New Jersey Cannabis Insider Awards Gala as an “Excellence in Cannabis Law” nominee on June 9, 2022. The Cannabis Awards Gala marked New Jersey’s first-ever cannabis industry awards event. A few hundred thought-leaders and supporters gathered at the Carteret Performing Arts Center to recognize 24 businesses for their excellence in the Cannabis industry. “We feel honored to be recognized and have our firm included among the inspired community that comprises the New Jersey Cannabis industry,” said Joshua Bauchner, Chair of the Cannabis Law Practice. The award recipients were announced during the evening and attendees enjoyed celebrating a new milestone for the cannabis industry.

Jackson Planning Board Approves Warehouse on Herman Road

The members of the Jackson Planning Board voted 8-1 to grant preliminary and final major site plan approval to an applicant who plans to construct a 35,361-square-foot, one-story warehouse on Herman Road. The application of 498 Herman Jackson, LLC, was heard during the board’s June 6 meeting in the municipal building. The applicant was represented by attorney Jennifer S. Krimko of the firm, engineer Thomas Muller, and architect David Collins.

Asbury Park Free Summer Concert Series Returns in Summer 2022

ASBURY PARK, NJ — The Asbury Park Music Foundation announces a full return to multiple free live music series this summer. The 2022 summer music series starts with Music Mondays in Springwood Park. There are performances booked through July and August for the sixth season of this popular event. AP Live on the Asbury Park boardwalk also returns, with free music on Wednesday nights right next to MOGO. Lakehouse Academy bands, some of which feature APMF scholarship students, will open the show each week followed by local artists of all genres.

CWCBExpo: A B2B Tradeshow To Remember

Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC attended the CWCBExpo at the Javit’s Center during its 3-day cannabis industry event. New York is rapidly becoming one of the largest cannabis economic sectors. AG&A met with industry leaders and demonstrated its commitment to diverse and inclusive business practices.

Joshua S. Bauchner Speaks at The NORML Aspen Legal Seminar

The NORML Aspen Legal Seminar was held at the Gant Hotel from June 2 to June 4 in Colorado. Joshua Bauchner joined a cadre of presenters from across the nation who shared their insights on important issues in cannabis law in this fully accredited legal seminar. Timely topics included: The Admissibility of Digital Evidence; 280E Battle with the IRS: How to Prepare and Represent Your Cannabis Client; Social Equity in NY & NJ; Marijuana and Child Custody Issues; Surviving an Overreaching Prosecutor; Attorney Fees In Criminal Cases; Overcoming Racial Bias When Representing a Black Defendant; Ethical Considerations in Representing the Cannabis Industry Client; The Future of Cannabis; and Annual Review of Important 4th Amendment Decisions.

NJSBA Cannabis Law Committee Co-Chairs Reappointed for 2022-2023 Term

The New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) is instrumental in providing members with training and information. NJSBA announced its reappointment of Joshua Bauchner, Esq. and Lisa Gora, Esq. as the Co-Chairs of its Cannabis Law Committee. In their role as co-chairs, Josh and Lisa also moderated cannabis panels at the NJSBA Annual Convention in Atlantic City.

Andrea B. White Appointed to The New Jersey State Bar Association’s Family Law Strategic Planning Committee

Andrea B. White, Esq. was invited and accepted an appointment as a member of The New Jersey State Bar Association’s (NJSBA) Membership Committee in May 2022. The work of the committee is essential to advancing the interests of the Association, the legal profession, and the public. Andrea B. White also serves on the New Jersey State Bar Association Family Lawyer Editorial Board as a Senior Editor and on its Planning Committee for the Annual Mid-Year Meeting and Retreat. Her practice is exclusively devoted to Family Law at Ansell Grimm & Aaron where she assists clients in divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, alimony and domestic violence issues. Ms. White is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney and is qualified pursuant to R. I :40 to mediate family law cases. She also has been admitted as an Attorney and Counselor of the Supreme Court of the United States since 2006. Ms. White lectured at the NJSBA’s Annual Meeting on May 19 on the topic, “Re-examining Child Support Guidelines In 2022.”

Former Red Bank Council President Charged with Stealing Thousands from Non-Profit

Former Red Bank Council President Hazim Yassin has been charged with stealing thousands of dollars from a non-profit education foundation, acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey said. Yassin, 32, of the Lincroft section of Middletown, has been charged with third-degree theft by unlawful taking, the Prosecutor’s Office said. Yassin’s defense attorney, Robert A. Honecker, Jr., of Ansell Grimm & Aaron PC, defended his client’s charges in a phone call with the Asbury Park Press.

Athletes In Cannabis Conference Creates Community

The Athletes in Cannabis NY/NJ Regional Tradeshow was held on May 6 – 7, 2022 at the Hilton Newark Airport. Joshua Bauchner of Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC was the Keynote Speaker and gave a poignant “State of the Cannabis” speech on Friday morning. This 2-day event allowed individuals from growers to cannabis lending companies to interact with retired members of the NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLB.

Cannabis Law Update — June 2022

Ansell Grimm June 23, 2022

MINI-ROUNDTABLE: Q&A Report with Cannabis Industry Experts and Advocates

Financier Worldwide Magazine, publisher of the quarterly e-magazine, Corporate Disputes, reached out to Ansell Grimm & Aaron’s Cannabis Law Practice Chair, Joshua Bauchner , to participate in a special Q&A report titled, “Cannabis Regulation and the Litigation Landscape.” This report is available online and registration is free. Please click HERE to view the latest edition.

The Cannabis Law Practice Continues Training Through the National Business Institute on July 19

Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC Celebrates at New Jersey’s First- Ever Cannabis Industry Awards Gala

CWCBExpo: A B2B Tradeshow To Remember

Ansell Grimm & Aaron (AG&A), PC attended the CWCBExpo at the Javit’s Center during its 3-day cannabis industry event. New York is rapidly becoming one of the largest cannabis economic sectors. AG&A met with industry leaders and demonstrated our firm’s commitment to diverse and inclusive business practices.

Joshua S. Bauchner Speaks at The NORML Aspen Legal Seminar

The NORML Aspen Legal Seminar was held at the Gant Hotel from June 2 to June 4 in Colorado. Joshua Bauchner joined a cadre of presenters from across the nation who shared their insights on important issues in cannabis law in this fully accredited legal seminar. Timely topics included: The Admissibility of Digital Evidence, Social Equity in NY & NJ; Marijuana and Child Custody Issues; Attorney Fees In Criminal Cases; Overcoming Racial Bias When Representing a Black Defendant; Ethical Considerations in Representing the Cannabis Industry Client; The Future of Cannabis; and Annual Review of Important 4th Amendment Decisions.

NJSBA Cannabis Law Committee Co-Chairs Reappointed for 2022-2023 Term

Athletes In Cannabis Conference Creates Community

David J. Byrne to Present at CAI Webinar on April 20

Ansell Grimm April 13, 2022

David J. Byrne Esq., Chair of Ansell Grimm & Aaron’s Community Association Law Group, will be a featured presenter at the Community Associations Institute of New Jersey’s Wednesday, April 20th, Webinar.

The one-hour webinars focus on important issues affecting the rights, operations, and business of common interest communities. Mr. Byrne’s presentation, on April 20^th, will focus on the rights of — and strategies available to — community associations facing the demands of owners and/or residents who claim to be disabled, including those who seek accommodations with respect to animals characterized as service or emotional support

Registration is free and currently open for all CAI-NJ members via the CAI-NJ website. Community association managers will receive 1 CEU credit for attending.

April 2022 Newsletter

Ansell Grimm April 12, 2022

Six Attorneys Named Super Lawyers

Ansell Grimm & Aaron is pleased to announce that six attorneys from the firm have been selected to the 2022 New Jersey Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.* Selected as Super Lawyers again this year are Allison Ansell, Mitchell J. Ansell, and Andrea B. White. Named as Rising Stars this year are Alfred M. Caso, Ashley V. Whitney, and Nicole D. Miller. This is Caso’s first selection, Whitney’s second, and Miller’s fourth consecutive selection as a Rising Star. Each year, no more than 5% of lawyers in the state are selected to the Super Lawyers list, and no more than 2.5% are selected to the Rising Stars list. The list of New Jerse Super Lawyers is based upon surveys of the more than 35,000 lawyers across the state who have been licensed to practice for five years or more.
*No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court.

Ansell Grimm & Aaron Welcomes Carol J. Truss

We are pleased to announce that Carol J. Truss has joined Ansell Grimm & Aaron’s Commercial Real Estate Department. Ms. Truss previously served as a partner at Gross, Truss & Herstik in Freehold, New Jersey. Ms. Truss’s primary focus is on real estate, including commercial acquisitions/dispositions and refinances, commercial leasing and commercial property management matters. She also handles the purchase and sale of small businesses and the general representation of such businesses. Ms. Truss is an active member of the Monmouth Bar Association (MBA), and has served in several leadership roles for the MBA, including President, Trustee, and Chair of the Real Estate and Land Development Committee. She is also a past Chair and Lifetime Member of the New Jersey State Bar Association Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section Board of Consultors.
“Carol is a great addition to the AGA Commercial Real Estate Department,” Managing Partner Michael V. Benedetto said. “She brings vast experience as a counselor, as well as tremendous respect from the Bench and Bar.”

Seth Rosenstein Defends Clients Targeted by Serial Plaintiffs

Seth Rosenstein of AGA’s Woodland Park and White Plains office had recently represented several businesses that were sued by serial Plaintiffs for purported violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related state and municipal statutes. As in nearly all of the cookie cutter Complaints filed by Plaintiffs’ counsel in the ADA actions, Plaintiffs generally alleged that accessibility barriers prevented them from entering Defendants’ place of business and/or accessing the business’ website. Leveraging the fact that ADA Plaintiffs expect to settle counsel-driven litigation before actively litigating in exchange for substantial payouts, Mr. Rosenstein aggressively pursued discovery and motion practice to take counsel to task, and successfully compelled settlements for a fraction of what ADA Plaintiffs’ counsel typically demand and collect.

Ansell Grimm & Aaron Continues to Build Commercial Litigation Group

We are pleased to announce the addition of Kelsey Barber as an associate with Ansell Grimm & Aaron’s commercial litigation group, where she will continue to focus her practice on a variety of complex civil litigation matters. Ms. Barber received her B.A. in Historical Studies from Stockton University with a minor in Philosophical and Religious Studies. She thereafter obtained her J.D. from Rutgers Law School, where she was an editor of the Rutgers Journal of Public Policy and spearheaded Youth Court, a pro bono youth organization dedicated to teaching legal and ethical youth adjudication for school disciplinary actions in Camden. Ms. Barber previously clerked with the Honorable Linda Grasso Jones, in the Monmouth County Courthouse, Civil Division, where she also acted as a court appointed mediator. After her clerkship, Ms. Barber went on to work in established plaintiff and defense oriented firms, litigating in the areas of catastrophic tort, products liability, contract, employment, and complex business litigation.

Ansell Grimm & Aaron Named as Finalist for Excellence in Cannabis Law

Ansell Grimm & Aaron has been voted among the Top 3 nominees for the NJ Cannabis Insider 2022 Business Awards in the Excellence in Cannabis Law category. On June 9, 2022, NJ Cannabis Insider will host New Jersey’s first-ever cannabis business awards gala at the Carteret Performing Arts Center where businesses, including Ansell Grimm & Aaron, will be recognized for their achievements in the fields of law, social equity, building, innovation, and consultancy.

Ansell Grimm & Aaron Speaks on the Mid-Atlantic Cannabis Industry

Joshua Bauchner, a Partner serving as both Co-Chair of the Litigation Department and head of the Cannabis Law Practice group, will be discussing the cannabis industry’s legal landscape at a series of upcoming events. On April 28, Mr. Bauchner will moderate the New Jersey State Bar Association’s 4th Annual Cannabis Symposium. You can find program details and register to attend in person here or via webcast here. Mr. Bauchner will be speaking at the Athletes in Cannabis NY/NJ Regional Tradeshow, which will be held May 6 – 7, 2022 at the Hilton Newark Airport. Tickets for the event can be found here. On May 19, Mr. Bauchner will moderate a panel on adult-use licenses during the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting at the Borgata in Atlantic City. You can register for the Meeting here. On June 3, Mr. Bauchner will be discussing social equity in the New Jersey and New York cannabis markets at the 2022 NORML Aspen Legal Seminar. The seminar will be held June 2 – 4, in Aspen, Colorado, and registration information can be found here. Mr. Bauchner will also discuss licensing and professional ethics in New Jersey at the National Business Institute’s Marijuana Business Law in New Jersey Seminar on June 19, 2022.

Cannabis Regulatory Commission Special Meeting

On Monday, April 11, 2022 the Cannabis Regulatory Meeting held a special meeting open to the public. At the meeting the Commission approved 34 conditional licenses for cultivators and manufacturers, bringing the number of approved conditional licenses to 100+. The Commission also considered expanded ATC certifications for 7 existing ATCs including, Acreage-CCF, Curaleaf, Columbia Care, Verano, Ascend Wellness, GTI, and TerrAscend. The ATCs will still need to complete an operational assessment for regulatory compliance and submit payment of their full expansion fees before they are authorized to begin adult-use sales. Recordings of all Cannabis Regulatory Commission public meetings can be found here.

Ansell Grimm & Aaron welcomes Carol J. Truss

Ansell Grimm April 4, 2022

We are pleased to announce that Carol J. Truss has joined the firm.

“Carol is a great addition to the AGA Commercial Real Estate Department,” Ansell Grimm & Aaron PC Managing Partner Michael V. Benedetto said. “She brings vast experience as a counselor, as well as tremendous respect from the Bench and Bar.”

Her practice is concentrated in the areas of real estate law, including commercial and residential title transfers and refinances, commercial leasing, and residential and commercial property management matters. Ms. Truss also handles the purchase and sale of small businesses and the general representation of such businesses.

Ms. Truss is an active member of the Monmouth Bar Association (MBA), and has served in several leadership roles for the MBA, including President, Trustee, and Chair of the Real Estate and Land Development Committee.