Axel Bernabe

Axel Bernabe is a partner in the firm’s Cannabis and Healthcare Practices. He has decades of experience providing consulting and legal counsel for entities and governments looking to understand healthcare and cannabis markets as well as implement cannabis programs at the national and international levels. Axel advises clients on corporate and regulatory issues throughout the entire cannabis life cycle spanning the adult-use, medical, and cannabinoids markets, as well as cannabis-adjacent product and service providers. He also helps clients navigate New York State’s health-related regulatory requirements and legislative changes.

Considered the architect of New York State’s cannabis market, Axel served as the inaugural Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Director for the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). He directed the implementation of all licensing, enforcement, economic development, clinical, policy, and reinvestment goals of the medical, hemp, and adult-use cannabis economy in New York, which has quickly become a go-to road map for other markets looking to implement similar programs.

During his tenure with the OCM, Axel stood up the Agency, hiring and managing the Office’s executive team, overseeing over 165 employees, and designing and implementing all regulations launching the new industry. He led all aspects of the Office’s initiatives which he had previously created when he drafted and negotiated the 2021 Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act.

Before co-founding the OCM, Axel served as former Governor Andrew Cuomo's chief health counsel for over six years, including during COVID, leading legal and policy developments in the State’s health portfolio. In that role, Axel provided strategic counsel and direction to the operations within the Executive Chamber and at the State Department of Health. He also led the team negotiating the health care component of the annual state budget, including managing the review of all new legislative and fiscal initiatives and driving all negotiations with the Senate and Assembly.

Services

Education

University of Ottawa, B.A.

McGill University, LL.B. (J.D.) and B.C.L., magna cum laude

Admissions

• New York