Uniondale, NY – April 24, 2025 – Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C. is pleased to announce that attorneys Douglas Wasser and Gavin Grusd have been named Co-Chairs of the firm’s Cannabis Law Practice Group.
The Cannabis Law Practice Group provides comprehensive legal counsel to clients seeking to enter or expand within New York’s cannabis marketplace. With the legalization of cannabis under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), the industry presents enormous opportunities—and equally complex regulatory challenges. The firm’s multidisciplinary approach draws on deep experience in real estate, corporate, healthcare, employment, finance, and criminal law, positioning clients for long-term success in a highly regulated environment. From licensing and business formation to compliance and investment, the group supports entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses at every stage of growth.
“We’re thrilled to lead the firm’s Cannabis Practice during such an exciting and transformative time for the industry,” said Douglas Wasser, Co-Chair. “As entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses increasingly look to enter this space, we’re here to help them make informed, strategic decisions that balance innovation with compliance.”
Gavin Grusd, Co-Chair, added: “The cannabis industry is one of the fastest-growing in New York, but it’s also one of the most regulated. Our team is equipped to guide clients through every phase – from licensing to financing and expansion – while staying ahead of evolving legal developments.”
Mr. Wasser, a Partner at Ruskin Moscou Faltischek P.C., is a member of the firm’s Real Estate Department and Fine Art Practice Group and now serves as Co-Chair of the Cannabis Law Practice Group. With more than four decades of experience in real estate and general business law, Mr. Wasser advises clients on leasing, subleasing, acquisitions, sales, refinancing, and operations of commercial properties across a broad spectrum of asset types. He has represented global conglomerates, hotel operators, healthcare facilities, law firms, and cannabis businesses, among others, in matters ranging from net leases and mortgage financing to the purchase and sale of businesses.
Mr. Wasser also provides legal counsel to condominium and cooperative boards on issues such as management relations, lease amendments, common area use, and governance. A recognized authority in the field, he has been quoted over 35 times in The New York Times Real Estate Section. As Co-Chair of Ruskin’s Cannabis Practice Group, Mr. Wasser brings deep insight into the intersection of commercial real estate and cannabis law, helping to shape a vibrant new industry in New York and beyond. In addition, Mr. Wasser maintains a robust Fine Art Law practice, representing auction houses, collectors, fiduciaries, artists, and galleries in matters involving title, provenance, fraud, cultural heritage, and private sales.
Mr. Grusd is a Partner at Ruskin Moscou Faltischek P.C., where he is a member of the firm’s Corporate & Securities Department; Co-Chair of both the International Practice Group and the Cannabis Law Practice Group; and a member of the Commercial Lending, Securities Disputes and Enforcement, and Insurance & Reinsurance Litigation, Dispute Resolution, Transactions, and Regulatory Problem Solving Practice Groups. He counsels entrepreneurial, family-owned, and institutional businesses at every stage of their lifecycle—from formation and growth through exit and succession. His practice includes advising on entity structuring, executive compensation, equity incentives, capital formation, and strategic transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and financings.
Mr. Grusd regularly represents clients in angel, venture, and institutional investments; private placements; public offerings; and various commercial relationships, including joint ventures, licensing, distribution, and e-commerce. He also advises boards of directors on governance, fiduciary duties, and regulatory compliance, and has significant experience guiding public companies through complex securities regulations. In the cannabis sector, Mr. Grusd assists clients in entity formation, financing, compliance, and strategic planning, helping them navigate the ever-evolving legal landscape. His client base spans the New York metropolitan area, across the United States, and internationally, where he frequently advises on cross-border transactions. Mr. Grusd is a Director and Membership Committee Chair of The 100 Club, and an active member of XLNC, a global network of independent professional firms. He regularly presents at XLNC’s international conferences on corporate and transactional legal developments.
For over 50 years, Ruskin Moscou Faltischek P.C., headquartered in Uniondale, has built a reputation as one of the region’s leading providers of innovative legal services. Its attorneys are practical, experienced advocates who measure their success by their clients’ success. Cornerstone groups in all major practice areas of the law are represented at the firm, including corporate and securities, corporate restructuring & bankruptcy, commercial lending, commercial litigation, intellectual property, health care, real estate, employment, not-for-profit, cybersecurity and data privacy, energy, and trusts and estates. Clients include large and mid-sized corporations, privately held businesses, institutions and individuals.
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