The Clinic
The mission of The Cannabis Law Clinic is to address the consequences of inequality in communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. To better understand the sacrifices that the legalized cannabis industry is founded on is a conversation of complexity and high opinion. But the truism of the situation resides in many individuals and communities that are still suffering from the effects of societal injustice, corruption, and inequality brought on by the failed war on drugs.
This collaborative effort throughout our community confirms that we can find solutions, meet the needs and achieve our community's hopes by working together. The Cannabis Law Clinic formed following a 2019, Review After the Legalization of Adult Use by the City and County of San Francisco Office of the Controller identified the need for quality and affordable legal services or technical assistance in cannabis areas.
The Setting
Since Fall of 2020, our clinic has had a home at San Francisco’s Golden Gate University School of Law. All cohorts thus far have been virtual, but would generally reside at Golden Gate University School of Law, 536 Mission St, San Francisco, CA
The Founders
-
Allison Wang
As Director of the Externship Program at Golden Gate University, and now at UC Hastings, Allison helps teach the next generation of lawyers the practice skills they need to get hired.
Over the past six years, she has developed her skills as a seasoned professor, program director and collaborative administrator, with an emphasis on experiential learning programming, training, and coaching. She has significant experience in program building, relationship development, and public interest work – especially in the judicial system. As an attorney and an empathetic leader, she is able to engage and develop teams to tackle complex matters.
Allison is passionate about helping law students get the experience, skills, and confidence they need to get hired and thrive in legal practice. She teaches relationship-building, lawyering skills, salary negotiation, digital marketing, professional development planning, and growth mindset skills. She has also directed the university’s Office of Accessible Education, where she focused on building a strong community of inclusion and accessibility.
-
Jon Heredia
Jon Heredia comes to the Cannabis Law Clinic with experience serving as Director of Business Development and Chief Legal Officer, providing legal and business guidance in securing investments, brand partnerships, and maintaining regulatory compliance.
He is a cannabis business owner, with three retail licenses in San Francisco, and is a member on California’s Board of State and Community Corrections Proposition 64 Public Health & Safety Grant Scoring Panel.
He received his J.D. from New York University School of Law and his B.A. from the University of San Francisco. Mr. Heredia is admitted to practice in New York and is a member of the New York Bar Association and the International Cannabis Bar Association.
-
Alejandro Rodriguez
Alejandro helped launch the Cannabis Law Clinic at Golden Gate University following positions on the Board of the Students for Sensible Drug Policy, and time working with La Raza Centro Legal.
Alejandro currently assists clients in business-to-business transactional matters, regulatory compliance, and municipal permitting and state licensing related to ongoing operations and corporate transactions.
Always at the forefront of emerging issues, Alejandro is actively engaged in the federal legalization of cannabis, de-scheduling cannabis at the national level, and expunging records of those disproportionally impacted by the war on drugs.