Jason Adelstone Attorney
Contact JasonAbout Jason
Jason Adelstone is a seasoned business lawyer, international policy advisor, and problem solver. Based in Denver, Colorado, he provides domestic and international legal counsel to a diverse clientele, including entrepreneurs, corporations, religious organizations, and federal and international cannabis operators. His practice spans corporate law, international policy, and cannabis regulatory compliance, helping clients navigate the complexities of the global cannabis industry and beyond.
A recognized authority in the U.S. on international drug treaties, Jason has collaborated with legal and policy experts worldwide to address evolving cannabis laws, U.S. and EU regulatory challenges, and treaty obligations. His expertise includes corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, business formation, contract negotiation and drafting, restaurant and franchise law, and state and federal conflicts of law.
Jason’s professional journey is as unique as it is diverse. Before becoming a lawyer, he served as a logistics supervisor for the U.S. Antarctic Program at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, and spent 18 years in the restaurant industry, managing both front- and back-of-house operations. These experiences instilled in him a practical, results-driven approach to solving complex legal and regulatory challenges.
He advises clients on a wide range of corporate and regulatory matters, including:
- Corporate governance and compliance.
- Mergers, acquisitions, and business restructuring.
- Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
- Market entry strategies for U.S. and international operators.
- International policy reforms, particularly concerning obligations under the three international drug treaties.
- Cannabis rescheduling and regulatory compliance under the Controlled Substances Act and DEA regulations.
International Legal Strategist
Jason began his legal career as a law clerk for the Onondaga County Attorney’s Office in New York. He earned his Juris Doctorate, magna cum laude, and Master of Business Administration from Syracuse University College of Law.
His multifaceted expertise and innovative approach make him an invaluable resource for clients navigating the intricate intersection of law, business, and international policy.
Fast Facts
Education
- J.D., Syracuse University, magna cum laude
- M.B.A., Syracuse University
- B.S., Business Management, Arizona State University
Languages
- Spanish (Basic)
Bar & Court Admissions
- Colorado State Bar
- Arizona State Bar
- New Mexico State Bar
More About Jason
- U.S. International Treaty Obligations and Marijuana Rescheduling – Coalition for Cannabis Scheduling Reform.
- Republican Senators Say Cannabis Rescheduling Violates International Treaties, High Times, March 29, 2024.
- Amsterdam Left Out of Netherlands Legal Weed Experiment, High Times, March 11, 2024.
- German Lawmakers Vote To Legalize Cannabis, High Times, February 27, 2024.
- Cannabis stocks rise as Germany takes ‘first big step’ toward broader legalization in Europe, MarketWatch, February 23, 2024.
- Germany’s Parliament Votes To Legalize Limited Adult-Use Cannabis, Forbes, February 23, 2024.
- Germany Set to Vote on Cannabis Legalization, Green Market Report, February 23, 2024.
- Identifying International Cannabis Opportunities in Europe 26 October [Webinar], Cannabis Law Report, October 16, 2023.
- Why Germany is Scaling Back Plans to Legalize Cannabis, Forbes, April 11, 2023.
- UN Warns Adult-Use Cannabis in US States Violates International Treaty, Cannabis Now, March 24, 2023
- Washington State Lawmakers Approve Interstate Cannabis Commerce Bill, Cannabis Now, February 26, 2023.
- International Cannabis Reform Ramps Up in Europe, South America, Green Market Report, November 30, 2022.
- Conversations with Leading Executives and Investors in the Cannabis Industry, Highly Objective, October 13, 2022.
- Here Weed Go Podcast Has a New Episode, Arizona Daily Star, May 18, 2022.
- Which Countries Will Likely Legalize Cannabis In 2022 And Why Isn’t The US Among Them?, Benzinga, December 23, 2021.
- Coloradans Convicted of Marijuana Possession Could Easily Get Their Record Sealed under New Bill, The Colorado Sun, April 5, 2021.
- Status Update: Arizona, WeedWeek, January 21, 2021.
- Cannabis Regulation, EU Drug Law, Trade Rules and the UN Drug Control Treaties, Transnational Institute, June 2024.
- Schedule 3 Implications for the Caribbean Cannabis Industry- A roundtable, Ganjactivist.com Media and Events, May 9, 2024
- International Cannabis Policy and Regulation – Implications for Public Health, Consumer Safety, and Equity, Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA) 2024 External Stakeholder Meeting, June 5, 2024.
- The Cannabis Business: Understanding Law, Finance, and Governance in America’s Newest Industry, Chapter 8 Introduction to Cannabis and Bankruptcy Law, December 30, 2020.
- Member Blog: A Summary Of Colorado’s Publicly Licensed Marijuana Companies Bill (HB19-1090), The National Cannabis Industry Association, June 3, 2019.
- Colorado Bar Association
- Arizona Bar Association
- New Mexico Bar Association