Ones to Watch 2020: Andrew Goodwin

The inaugural Greenway Ones to Watch class were nominated by their peers as those will be some of the most responsible for setting the tone of Missouri’s newest industry. From activists to consultants to operators themselves, the following industry influencers are responsible for determining not only how the industry overcomes the obstacles of 2020, but how the industry will be better for it. The same questions were asked of all; submitted answers and related information edited for grammar and clarity.

NAME: Andrew (Drew) J. Goodwin

COMPANY: Joseph, Hollander & Craft LLC

OPERATING FROM: Kansas City

TITLE: Attorney

BACKGROUND: Mr. Goodwin is an experienced litigation attorney whose practice focuses on representing individuals and businesses in the transportation, financial, utility, and manufacturing industries. He has represented clients in cases involving personal injury, wrongful death, professional liability, products liability, employment discrimination, property damage, insurance coverage and business disputes. Mr. Goodwin has extensive experience in commercial motor vehicle accidents, having litigated trucking cases in more than 20 states.

Mr. Goodwin received his juris doctorate cum laude from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law in 2012. He was a member of the ABA Negotiation Team, the Moot Court Executive Board, and the UMKC Law Review. Mr. Goodwin graduated from University of Missouri – Kansas City with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance in 2008.

Why cannabis?

As a lawyer who represents clients in cases involving severe and catastrophic injuries, I have seen firsthand the unintended consequences that can arise from the long-term use of narcotic medication. In many cases, opioid dependence has done more damage to my clients and their families than the original injury. My clients routinely work with pain management professionals using non-narcotic treatment methods to reduce the risk of dependence, but those methods are not effective for everyone. Cannabis is a remarkably effective alternative treatment for those who have been failed by the traditional medical model. Numerous clients have experienced decreased pain and improved quality of life, all without the risk of dependence. That is why I closely followed Amendment 2 and the competing medical marijuana ballot initiatives in 2018. When Amendment 2 passed, I was eager to get involved any way I could.

I, along with two law partners, went all in on Missouri medical marijuana. We drafted seven facility applications and all seven were awarded a license. From there, we have grown our cannabis law practice to service all of our clients’ needs, including business formation, preparation of investment materials, appeals, and tax, banking and regulatory compliance. Most recently, I was honored to teach the first Cannabis Law course at UMKC Law School along with fellow cannabis attorney Paul Anderson.

It has been incredibly rewarding to participate in a new industry I am passionate about, and it is only getting started.

What is your vision of the industry in Missouri?

I hope Missouri becomes the national model for a system that promotes patient access, safety and economic opportunity. I think we can achieve patient numbers comparable to Oklahoma, with a regulatory system that inspires confidence in those who may currently be skeptical of medical marijuana. Once the medical program is successfully implemented, the current criticisms and fears will fade away, and I hope to see overwhelming support for an adult use initiative in 2022. Long-term, I hope to see a marked decline in opioid dependence and overdoses in Missouri.

What opportunity/opportunities does the industry create in Missouri?

The opportunity for alternative medical treatment is the first thing that comes to mind, but there is also a great deal of excitement about new employment opportunities in the state. I have talked with countless people, from all walks of life, eager to transition into an industry they believe in.

Economic impact was an obvious focus of DHSS in the licensing process, and we are starting to see that impact as the program gets rolling. In addition to my law practice, I am the cofounder and General Counsel of Vertical Enterprise, a vertically-integrated company based in St. Joseph. We hope to have a significant positive economic impact in St. Joseph. Our 60,000 square foot cultivation and manufacturing facility will be constructed primarily by workers living in and around St. Joseph. Once open, our cultivation, manufacturing and dispensary operations will provide job opportunities in the community.

The industry also has an opportunity to change public perceptions about state taxing and spending. Missourians are skeptical of targeted spending programs, particularly as it relates to the lottery and education spending. If the medical marijuana program actually fulfills its mission of improving the health of Missouri’s veterans, future initiatives in the public interest may face less resistance.

What is one thing you wish all Missourians knew about cannabis?

Too many people believe the program is more restrictive than it actually is. Many people believe they do not qualify for medical marijuana because they do not have cancer, epilepsy or one of the other medical conditions commonly associated with medical marijuana. But Article XIV provides physicians the discretion to certify a patient for “any other medical condition” with symptoms that may be alleviated by medical marijuana.

Missourians should also know that, despite the barrage of negative news stories, the state has done a solid job of implementing the program thus far. Of course it has not been perfect, and there are many legitimate grievances, but DHSS has outperformed nearly every other state that has a regulated medical marijuana program.