Rebecca Rutenberg, Vice President, Northeast Markets at Vicente – Interview Series

“In the cannabis industry, the regulations are the foundation on which you grow your business and need to be considered individually from state to state. If you build without them, your castle will crumble.”

Rebecca Rutenberg

The provision of legal services to the cannabis industry faces significant challenges amidst the ever-shifting landscape of regulations that vary from state to state. With the legalization of cannabis gaining momentum across the United States, each state has developed its own unique set of rules and regulations, creating a complex and fragmented legal environment. Attorneys and law firms operating in this space must navigate a myriad of conflicting laws, licensing requirements, and compliance obligations. Additionally, the federal status of cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance further complicates matters. As the industry continues to evolve, legal professionals must stay abreast of the latest developments to effectively assist their clients while ensuring compliance with the law.

MyCannabis spoke to Rebecca Rutenberg about her debut into the industry and her role at Vicente Sederberg. Rebecca also shares insights into the challenges and opportunities that have come with providing legal services to the cannabis industry. She is the Vice President, Northeast Markets + Business Intelligence at Vicente LLP which is a leading cannabis and psychedelics law firm.

Meet Rebecca

As a brief introduction, can you share how your career path led you to the cannabis industry?

I previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of a boutique public affairs firm based in Boston, Massachusetts that specializes in emerging industries including renewable energy, disruptive technology, and transit-oriented development. When medical cannabis was legalized in Massachusetts, I discovered that the services prospective business owners were seeking matched the services that we provided to a T, including strategic communications, campaign development, regulatory analysis, and project management. The rest was history!

As a seasoned executive specializing in cannabis law, you have extensive experience managing clients in multiple states, including those in the adult-use cannabis market. What are some of the unique legal challenges and regulatory considerations you encounter while navigating this evolving industry?

Because cannabis is a new industry, almost all of the clients that I work with are start-ups seeking to either gain or maintain their foothold in an emerging market. My job is to help them achieve their business goals – while remaining within the confines of the regulatory structures of the states in which they operate – by thinking creatively, balancing priorities, and navigating them to avoid pitfalls. Unlike other industries where there are tried and true solutions or case studies, the cannabis industry provides many unique challenges that leave me scratching my head until the ultimate “eureka!” moment. One of my clients once referred to me as the “cannabis cheat code” and it was the best professional compliment that I’ve received to date!

Last year you were nominated as one of the 2022 40 Under 40 by the Boston Business Journal. What can you attribute this success to?

One of the best things about working in an emerging industry is that I’m surrounded by clients, colleagues, and other professionals who all have a certain sort of moxie that you only find within the entrepreneurial community. The combination of their drive and their guidance motivate me to work harder every day and are the greatest driver behind my professional success.

Lobbying plays a crucial role in shaping cannabis legislation and regulations. Can you share some insights into your approach to advocacy and the strategies you employ to promote fair and equitable cannabis policies in the states you work with?

I started my career in campaigns and coalition building and firmly believe in the old adage that all politics is local. My approach is twofold:

1. Local communities are critically important as a driver for civic, business, and philanthropic change. I encourage all of my clients to have “skin in the game” to demonstrate their intent to have a symbiotic relationship with surrounding neighborhoods.
2. Every individual has a personal responsibility to advocate for policies that impact the most vulnerable members of their community or industry. Stemming from this commitment, I provide mentoring, networking, and business development services to over a dozen cannabis companies on a pro bono basis.

Cannabis regulations can vary significantly from state to state. What advice do you have for cannabis businesses looking to expand into multiple jurisdictions? How can they navigate the complexities of compliance and stay up to date with evolving laws?

In the cannabis industry, the regulations are the foundation on which you grow your business and need to be considered individually from state to state. If you build without them, your castle will crumble. Make good use of guidance documents provided by state regulators. Don’t assume that what flies in another state or at a different facility will suffice at yours. When in doubt, ask. Debate whether the value of a shortcut exceeds the value of your license. Calendar every deadline.

What’s next for Rebecca?

Professionally, I’m working with our team of experienced attorneys at Vicente LLP as the green wave continues to move across the country.

Personally, I’m looking forward to a summer in the sun with my husband and six-month-old daughter!

It was a great pleasure to have this conversation with Rebecca Rutenberg, Vice President, Northeast Markets at Vicente LLP. Readers who wish to keep up with what the company is doing are  invited to do so through the company's website.