The architect of New York State’s cannabis market, and the inaugural Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Director for the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), Axel leverages decades of experience to provide consulting and legal counsel for entities and governments looking to understand cannabis markets and implement cannabis programs at the national and international levels.
At Manatt, Axel advises industry and government participants on issues throughout the entire cannabis life cycle spanning the adult-use, medical, CBD and other cannabinoids markets, as well as cannabis-adjacent product and service providers. He also helps clients navigate New York State’s health-related regulatory requirements and legislative changes.
Prior to co-founding the OCM, Axel served as the Chief Health Counsel to Governor Andrew Cuomo for six years, where he led legal and policy developments in the State’s health portfolio.
While at the OCM, Axel hired and managed the Office’s executive team, oversaw over 165 employees, and designed and implemented all regulations launching the new industry. He was responsible for standing up and leading all aspects of the Office’s initiatives as described in the 2021 Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act, which he previously drafted under Governor Cuomo, which also included establishing the State’s medical and hemp programs. As part of these efforts, Axel oversaw the implementation of all licensing, enforcement, economic development, clinical, policy and reinvestment goals of the medical, hemp and adult-use cannabis economy in the state of New York, which has quickly become a go-to road map for other markets looking to implement similar programs.
While serving as Chief Health Counsel to Governor Cuomo, Axel provided strategic counsel and direction to the operations within the Executive Chamber and at the State Department of Health. He also led the team negotiating the health care component of the annual state budget, including managing the review of all new legislative and fiscal initiatives as well as driving all negotiations with the Senate and Assembly.