Bio
Ryan Stearns’ practice focuses on commercial real estate and private equity transactions. Ryan’s practice includes the representation of public REITs, private equity groups, and investors in connection with the acquisition, sale, development, leasing, ground leasing, and financing of a variety of asset classes, in addition to the representation of clients in connection with mergers, acquisitions, corporate structuring and related matters.
Ryan serves as the Co-Leader for the Firm’s Cannabis Practice Team where he advises cannabis companies (cultivators, dispensaries, manufacturers, etc.) with all issues related to legal cannabis business activities, licensing matters (including drafting state license applications), regulatory matters, corporate structuring and real estate transactions.
Ryan was named to the National Law Journal’s 2022 Cannabis Law Trailblazers List and frequently speaks at cannabis conferences.
Articles & Publications
- Author "Empire State Cannabis Update: Takeaways from the First Round of Open Adult-Use Applications," Cannabuff, April 2024
- Author "Empire State Cannabis Update: Best Practices for Preparing Adult-Use Cannabis License Applications," CannaBuff, January 2024
- Author "Empire State Cannabis Update: Social & Economic Equity is Non-Negotiable for Adult-Use Applicants," CannaBuff, July 2023
- Author, "Updated Adult Use Cannabis Regulations," May 31, 2023
- Author "Empires State Cannabis Update: A Primer on Adult-Use Cannabis Advertising," CannaBuff, March 2023
- Co-author, "Empire State Cannabis Update: NYS Fights to Modify Injunction Blocking Conditional Dispensary Licensing," January 9, 2023
- Author "Empire State Cannabis Update: Roadmap for Navigating the Rules of the Adult-Use Market," CannaBuff, October 4, 2022
- Author "3 Conditional Market Lessons for Future Applicants," CannaBuff, July 2022
- Author "Licensing Prep: 4(20) Steps Prospective Applicants Can Take Right Now," CannaBuff, March 29, 2022
- Co-author "Empire State Cannabis Update: Conditional Adult-Use Cultivation & Processor License Overview and Impact," CannaBuff, February 22, 2022
- Co-author "Empire State Cannabis Update: OCM Cease & Desist Letters Make Clear & Present Threat to Gray Market Operators," CannaBuff, February 14, 2022
- Author, "Political Jockeying May Delay Sales of Adult-Use Cannabis in NYS," June 25, 2021
- Author "Unique Issues in Cannabis-Related Transactions," New York Law Journal, July 2019
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Press Releases
86 Lippes Mathias Attorneys Recognized in the 2025 Edition of "The Best Lawyers in America©"
August 15, 2024
In The news
Cannabis Practice Team Members Author Article in Latest Issue of CannaBuff Titled, "Federal Rescheduling: The Move from Schedule I to Schedule III and What is Means for Cannabis Business"
July 2, 2024
In The news
Cannabis Practice Team Members Author Article in Latest Issue of CannaBuff Titled, "Empire State Cannabis Update: Takeaways from the First Round of Open Adult-Use Applications"
April 10, 2024
Press Releases
Roswell Park Scott Bieler Amherst Center Wins the 2024 CoStar Impact Award for Commercial Development of the Year
March 27, 2024
In The news
Cannabis Practice Team Members Author Article in Latest Issue of CannaBuff Titled, "Empire State Cannabis Update: Best Practices for Preparing Adult-Use Cannabis License Applications"
January 26, 2024
Press Releases
Ryan V. Stearns to Present at New York State Commercial Association of Realtors WNY Chapter November Meeting
November 7, 2023
Press Releases
69 Lippes Mathias Attorneys Recognized in the 2024 Edition of "The Best Lawyers in America©"
August 17, 2023
Corporate Blog
Empire State Cannabis Update: Social & Economic Equity is Non-Negotiable for Adult-Use Applicants
July 5, 2023