Leslie K. Danks Burke, J.D., is a lawyer, adjunct Professor of Law at Cornell Law School, and adjunct full Professor in Cornell University’s School of Integrative Plant Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). Her career in tax, international dispute resolution, and human and civil rights led her to increasing concern about political polarization and damage to the democratic republic arising from tax and economic inequity. Professor Danks Burke transitioned into policy advocacy in rural economic development. Her anti-corruption work has been featured on NPR, and for three years, she provided weekly commentary for the NBC affiliate broadcasting across the rural Twin Tiers of New York and Pennsylvania. Professor Danks Burke holds a B.A. from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School. On a personal note, Professor Danks Burke’s parents farm corn and wheat in eastern Colorado.
Understanding Federal Cannabis RegulationCornell Course
Course Overview
The legal landscape of high-THC cannabis production, agriculture, and investment is continually evolving. The intersection of rapidly changing legislation and the expanding cannabis industry requires a comprehensive understanding of federal legislation, providing a foundation for informed decision making, responsible practices, and strategic investments.
In this course, you will review federal regulation and how it affects the various cannabis industry roles, including how each role may come with their own set of federal rules and regulations. You will explore the relationship between state and federal laws, as well as how federal and state laws can sometimes conflict with each other. You will also be introduced to the concept of federal decriminalization and what federal decriminalization of high-THC cannabis could mean for those in the industry.
Upon completion of this course, you will feel better equipped to discern the different aspects of federal law that impact various sectors of the cannabis industry.
Key Course Takeaways
- Identify the aspects of federal law that impact cannabis agriculture, investment, and production
- Evaluate the actions states can take, cannot take, and have already taken regardless of the federal law prohibiting cannabis agriculture, investment, and production
- Speculate on what will happen if cannabis agriculture, investment, and production are decriminalized at the federal level
- Identify the tools and resources you may access for answers on changing regulations going forward
How It Works
Course Author
Who Should Enroll
- Entrepreneurs
- Cannabis-industry business leaders
- Cannabis growers, producers and hobbyists
- Farmers
- Investors
- Cannabis industry marketers
- Lawyers
- Healthcare professionals
- Current students in law, public policy, or agriculture
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