Axel Bernabe

Practice Areas

• Cannabis

• Healthcare

• Business Litigation

Career

Axel Bernabe is a partner in Hodgson Russ’ Cannabis Practice and is widely recognized as a central figure in the development of New York’s cannabis regulatory framework. He advises cannabis operators, investors, and ancillary businesses on licensing strategy, regulatory compliance, government relations, and transactions across the adult use, medical, and hemp markets. His practice is shaped by firsthand experience building the rules, institutions, and enforcement structures that govern one of the most complex cannabis markets in the country.

Axel is best known for his role as a principal architect of New York State’s cannabis framework. He drafted the Cannabis Law, negotiated its passage with the State Legislature, and went on to co-found the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. As the agency’s inaugural Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Director, he led the rollout of all licensing, enforcement, market structure, and operational components of the State’s cannabis programs. That background gives clients insight not only into what the rules require, but why they were written and how regulators are likely to apply them.

Clients turn to Axel for practical, strategic guidance on entering and operating in heavily regulated cannabis markets. He helps businesses position themselves for licensure, structure transactions to align with regulatory expectations, and navigate ongoing compliance, enforcement risk, and legislative change. Drawing on senior leadership roles in state government, including serving as Chief Health Counsel to the Governor of New York, Axel is known for helping clients anticipate regulatory outcomes, engage effectively with government stakeholders, and solve problems before they escalate. Chambers USA ranks Axel for Cannabis Law, with market sources consistently highlighting his credibility, policy insight, and ability to guide clients through evolving regulatory environments.

Professional Memberships

• Cannabis Editorial Board, Law360

Expert in these Jurisdictions

New York

Education