Bethany has worked in the cannabis sector for the last decade and has amongst other things been the Manager of Regulatory Permitting, USA  @Canopy Growth Corporation, the Chief Compliance Consultant  at the American Cannabis Company Inc and also the President at the Industrial Hemp Research Foundation fromNov 2023 – Nov 2024. 

She has now launched her own mediation company and we discuss what she hopes to do with the business, why private mediation is better than the courts ( it’s cheaper and quicker) and what types of dsputes she is dealing with. We also discuss forthcoming devlopments and changes in the US cannabis and hemp sectors.

Bethany Niebauer

Bethany writes..

With a deep and diverse background in cannabis compliance and conflict resolution, I bring clarity and confidence to an industry often characterized by complexity.

As the founder of Axial Resolutions, I specialize in mediation and conflict resolution for the cannabis sector, helping businesses navigate disputes while preserving relationships and fostering collaboration. My approach combines industry knowledge, professionalism, and a commitment to practical solutions that empower companies to focus on growth and innovation.

Previously, I founded Axial Compliance Consulting, where I guided cannabis businesses through the intricate and often overwhelming maze of regulatory requirements. From securing licensure to creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), I worked with cultivators, dispensaries, consulting firms, and law offices across states like Colorado, California, Oregon, Washington, and Massachusetts. My meticulous attention to detail, legal expertise, and vast industry network earned me a reputation as a trusted resource for navigating even the most challenging compliance issues.

Throughout my career, I’ve not only tackled the nitty-gritty details of compliance but also educated and empowered clients to make informed decisions. Whether it’s ensuring safe cultivation practices, training employees on regulations, or navigating the gray areas of marketing, I offer actionable insights to keep businesses compliant and thriving.

Today, I continue to serve the cannabis industry as both a mediator and a resource for solving regulatory, operational, and interpersonal challenges. Let’s work together to resolve conflicts, build stronger partnerships, and ensure long-term success in this dynamic and evolving market.

Contact Bethany  at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-niebauer/

Welcome to the new short form formatted podcast that supplements my longer 30 minute one on one Karma Koala podcast conversations.

Koalas get tired quickly and need to snack so I have taken my lead from them and created this new 5 minute format where a current topic is covered quickly by a leading lawyer or professional in the cannabis industry.

In our 10th mini-bite I speak with Hemp & Cannabis Lawyer, Rod Kight (5th in a series of 5 mini-bites)

What states are saying no to banning  hemp derived cannabinoids.. Should I take my business there?

ROD KIGHT

I have been an advocate for cannabis reform all of my adult life and personally experienced its beneficial effects while undergoing chemotherapy treatments for testicular cancer. I have been in remission for years. You can read about my cannabis law journey by . I am fortunate to provide legal services to businesses in the cannabis industry, including hemp, CBD, THC, novel and emerging cannabinoids, and medical and adult use marijuana.

For almost 25 years I have represented thousands of businesses and individuals in legal matters. During that time I have provided legal guidance to clients covering a broad span of business issues, including entity formation, contract drafting and negotiation, shareholder disputes, joint ventures, mergers, tax matters, intellectual property protection, commercial litigation, appeals, asset sales, bankruptcy, and dissolution.

Rod’s Professional Biography

Rod is a cannabis business law attorney. Based in North Carolina and Mexico, Rod represents legal cannabis businesses throughout the world and is editor and chief writer of the Kight On Cannabis law blog. Rod is the author of “Cannabis Business Law-What You Need to Know”, published by Aspatore Books. He has served on the advisory board for the American Journal of Endocannabinoid Medicine, for which he has also written a legal column. Rod also created the “Source Rule”, which is widely regarded as a primary legal foundation for the contemporary hemp market in cannabinoids and other cannabis materials.

Rod is frequently quoted on cannabis matters by trade publications and major media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, Time, Washington Post, Politico, and Business Insider. Salon.com published an op-ed piece Rod wrote about hemp. Additionally, Rod has been listed in MG Magazine’s list of “30 Powerful Litigators”, Hemp Connoisseur Magazine’s list of “100 People You Should Know”, and High Time’s “2020 Leaders in Cannabis Law.” He has been part of the legal teams in two high-profile cases against the DEA and the Texas Department of State Health Services regarding hemp extracts, has drafted and presented cannabis legislation to a foreign head of state, is a member of the board of directors of a publicly traded Canadian cannabis and psychedelics company, testified to the FDA about CBD and cannabis compounds, and is a partner in a Mexican import-export company focused on legal cross-border hemp transactions. Rod routinely advises in-house counsel and C-suite level executives on cannabis issues. He has discussed cannabis legal issues in numerous seminars to lawyers, business executives, and public officials and is regularly asked to be a guest speaker on US and international podcasts about cannabis and psychedelics.

Rod is a strong believer in cannabis for personal and medical use after using it successfully during chemotherapy treatments for cancer (he is in remission). He has been an attorney advocate for NORML and has also been a member of the International Cannabis Bar Association, the National Cannabis Industry Association, the Hemp Industries Association, and the Southeast Hemp Association.

https://cannabusiness.law/about/