Alana Hans-Cohen

About Alana Hans-Cohen

Alana Hans-Cohen is an award winning cannabis attorney who is licensed in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Washington State, Colorado, and Illinois, Alana is a self-proclaimed “cannabis nerd,” who focuses on cannabis law and policy, and how this new, highly regulated industry intersects business, real estate, government, and public policy. Alana currently serves as Associate Counsel at the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (\"OCM\"), where she provides comprehensive legal counsel to the Office, driving the legal strategy of the Trade Practices Bureau to ensure that the state\'s cannabis policies and regulations are effectively developed, implemented, and enforced. Her expertise in regulatory compliance is instrumental in fostering a legal framework that ensures the cannabis industry in New York promotes equity, inclusion, and economic growth within the state.In addition to her role at the OCM, Alana is an adjunct professor at Medgar Evers College, the first City University of New York (CUNY) campus to offer a cannabis degree program. She teaches two courses as part of the bachelor’s degree in cannabis science: Commercializing Cannabis Science and Retail Dispensary Standard Operating Procedures. Her involvement in academia underscores her commitment to education and the professional development of future leaders in the cannabis industry.Before joining the Office of Cannabis Management, Alana spent four years in private practice, where she represented minority, women, disabled-veteran, and social equity businesses, at each level of the cannabis supply chain, including cultivators, manufacturers, distributors, and dispensaries, as well as cannabis industry investors.Alana is committed to using her legal acumen to support initiatives that promote inclusivity within the cannabis industry. Alana’s true passion lies in advocating for social equity in the cannabis industry, and her professional and personal philosophy includes giving back in ways that make a meaningful difference to the local and global communities to which she dedicates her advocacy. She has worked closely with stakeholders across the state to ensure that New York\'s cannabis market is accessible and fair, particularly for communities disproportionately impacted by previous cannabis prohibitions.Alana always says it like it is, in a voice that’s not hard to hear and she might have speeds other than fast forward, but no one is sure. Up for anything, filled with opinions she is happy to share, Alana is basically a good vibe.

Experience

1. Adjunct Professor

   Medgar Evers College, Cuny

   Jan 2023 — Present · Brooklyn, NY, US

   Pioneered cannabis education as a founding faculty member in Medgar Ever\'s cannabis bachelor of science cannabis degree program, the first City University of New York (CUNY) system college to establish a comprehensive cannabis degree program. Developed and delivered innovative curriculum for two specialized courses within the Chemistry and Environmental Sciences Department: Commercializing Cannabis Science (CHM 209) and Retail Cannabis Dispensary Standard Operating Procedures (CHM 310)- Established academic frameworks bridging scientific theory with practical industry applications, preparing students for emerging opportunities in the rapidly expanding cannabis sector- Created comprehensive course materials covering technical writing for regulatory compliance and business operations, as well as scientific methodologies specific to cannabis commercialization- Contributed to groundbreaking educational initiatives by designing curriculum that addresses both the minor and bachelor degree program requirements, positioning Medgar Evers College as a leader in cannabis education within the CUNY system- Delivered instruction that combines rigorous scientific principles with real-world industry technical writing standards, ensuring graduates possess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for success in cannabis science or health care-related careers- Demonstrated expertise in translating complex scientific concepts into accessible learning experiences while maintaining academic rigor and industry relevance in this emerging field of study.

Education

• New York Law School

  Doctor of Law (J.D.), Law

  2016 — 2020

• John Jay College (CUNY)

  B.A., Political Science, Philosophy, History

  2008 — 2014

• Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

  Certification, COVID-19 Contact Tracing

  2020 — 2020

• Delaware Technical and Community College

  Associate of Science (A.S.), Office Administration Technology; Paralegal Studies

  2007 — 2008