Business of Cannabis

Local experts discuss how the recreational marijuana industry is progressing and how it is affecting the overall cannabis industry in New York.

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Panelist – Will Brophy

Chief Operating Officer
Nabis

As the Chief Operating Officer at Nabis, Will Brophy manages strategic projects and planning with a focus on operational innovation by working with his talented team to marry day-to-day operational demands with the goals and vision of the broader company. He works to harness sustainable growth and frequent process optimization to bolster the reliability and precision of Nabis operations in the ever-changing world of cannabis regulations, while constantly assessing how technology and customer service can disrupt traditional distribution paradigms to add additional value to the cannabis supply chain. An expert at analyzing and solving logistics and supply-chain problems, Will previously worked in strategy and operations with distribution giant McMaster-Carr, food delivery startup Maple, travel brand Paravel, and global tech investment firm Coatue. Will is a graduate of Harvard University and lives in Oakland, where he enjoys unplugging whenever time allows in the extraordinary outdoor environment of the Bay Area.

Panelist – Jason Klimek

Partner and Co-Leader of the Cannabis Industry Team
Harris Beach Murtha

Jason’s comprehensive understanding of the cannabis industry complements his experience as a successful corporate and tax attorney, uniquely qualifying him to counsel cannabis companies on business and tax matters. A co-leader of our Cannabis Industry Team, he’s developed a stellar reputation working with cannabis companies of all forms and sizes on entity selection, taxation, funding, licensing, regulatory navigation, employment issues, securities transactions and a host of other matters.

As New York rolled out its legal cannabis market, Jason worked with lawmakers and regulators to help develop the Marijuana Regulation and Tax Act that legalized cannabis use, as well as some of its subsequent regulatory components. He also worked closely with conditional adult-use retail dispensary licensees, cultivators, processors, cannabis labs and several multi-state operators throughout the drawn-out legalization process, assisting them with building their businesses from the ground up. His deep experience and knowledge led to frequent speaking and writing engagements on the topic of cannabis law, as well as to being appointed the chair of the New York State Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Section’s Tax Committee and the Cannabis Association of New York’s Policy Committee chair.

Jason’s extensive knowledge of tax law benefits his corporate clients in many ways. In addition to cannabis companies, he frequently works with technology startups on the complex tax issues they face in launching a business. His corporate and tax experience includes structuring entities, advising on regulatory compliance, handling mergers and acquisitions, licensing work, analyzing tax implications for C Corporations, S Corporations and LLCs, stock and asset sales, drafting purchase agreements and many other business matters. He is a frequent speaker and writer on topics such as entity structure, corporate taxation, partnership taxation, taxation of intellectual property and personal taxation.

Panelist – Ryan Martin

Owner
MJ Dispensary

MJ Dispensary was created in April 2021. Ryan Martin and Maila Lowery opened the very first cannabis dispensary in Rochester Ny and Monroe county on Dec. 13, 2023.

Panelist – Sade McCallan

Manager of Emerging Initiatives
City of Rochester

With a diverse background in municipal government and community-centered leadership Sade McCallan brings over a decade of experience in public service, strategic communication, and innovative program management. Currently serving as the Manager of Emerging Initiatives for the City of Rochester, Sade leads impactful efforts in areas such as opioid response, healthy food access, street homelessness, and municipal cannabis program development.

A dedicated servant leader, Sade has held a wide range of roles including Adjunct Professor, Certified Parks & Recreation Professional, Tourism Manager, and Management Analyst. While these positions span various sectors, they share a common thread—serving communities through meaningful engagement and evidence-based decision-making.

Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Hampton University and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Communications Management from Dallas Baptist University, Sade leverages academic insight alongside real-world experience to build effective programs, guide teams, and foster sustainable change.

Whether managing employees, working directly with residents and international visitors, or driving innovative municipal policies, Sade McCallan is committed to engaging, inspiring, and advocating for the wellbeing of the communities she serves.