Building a Cannabis Company: Legal, HR, and Compliance Considerations

/Webinars/ ByCogent Law·March 5, 2026

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

12:00 – 1:00 PM ET (45-minute discussion + 15-minute Q&A)

Virtual Event – Free to Attend

Starting or scaling a cannabis business means navigating a complex web of legal requirements, workforce regulations, insurance obligations, and compliance standards, all at once, and often without a clear roadmap. Whether you are launching your first operation or expanding into new markets, getting the foundational pieces right from the start can make the difference between sustainable growth and costly setbacks.

Join Emily Wolfley, Consultant at Green Leaf Business Solutions, Bryan Mosser, Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer at Carma Insurance, and Suehiko Ono, Cannabis and Hemp Law Attorney at Cogent Law, and Jared Schwass (formerly of Cogent Law) for a practical, expert-led webinar covering the legal, HR, and compliance essentials every cannabis operator needs to know, at every stage of the business lifecycle.

This session is structured around two tracks: one for early-stage entrepreneurs building their foundation, and one for established operators preparing to scale.

What You Will Learn

What cannabis-specific contracts you need in place before opening your doors
How to navigate licensing and regulatory compliance from day one
Key HR and payroll setup considerations unique to the cannabis industry
The realities of banking and insurance access for cannabis businesses
What multi-state expansion really requires from a legal and compliance standpoint
How and when to review and update your contracts as your business grows
How to strengthen your compliance infrastructure to support scale

Who Should Attend

Cannabis founders, operators, and executive teams
Early-stage entrepreneurs entering the cannabis market
Multi-state operators planning growth or expansion
HR, payroll, and operations leaders within cannabis companies
Finance, accounting, and compliance professionals
Legal counsel working directly with cannabis businesses
Insurance and risk management advisors serving the cannabis sector

Meet the Speakers

Emily Wolfley Business Consultant, Green Leaf Business Solutions

Emily Wolfley is a relationship-driven business consultant dedicated to strengthening the cannabis community through strategic partnerships and operational clarity. Her collaborative approach helps cannabis businesses build strong foundations, foster meaningful industry relationships, and execute with confidence in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

Bryan Mosser Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer, Carma Insurance

Bryan Mosser brings more than 24 years of property and casualty leadership experience to Carma Insurance, where he drives growth strategy, program development, and carrier relations. Holding a CPIA designation with a strong background in reinsurance, he delivers strategic risk solutions tailored to the cannabis sector and emerging industries.

Jared Schwass Cannabis and Hemp Law Attorney (formerly of Cogent Law)

Jared Schwass took part in this program while at Cogent Law and is no longer with the firm. He has advised cannabis companies nationwide on licensing, compliance strategy, corporate structuring, and operational risk management.

Suehiko Ono Cannabis and Hemp Law Attorney, Cogent Law

Business-focused attorney and former cannabis operator with deep expertise in highly regulated sectors. Founder and former CEO of EOS Farms, one of Maine's first licensed outdoor cannabis cultivators, and former General Manager and Legal Director for one of New York's largest adult-use operators. He began his legal career at Winston & Strawn LLP advising on complex tax, partnership, and private equity transactions.