As the psychedelic industry continues to evolve, a notable transition is underway that could influence the future of plant medicine legalization and access. Plant Medicine Law Group (PMLG), a prominent New York-based law firm, recently announced its closure after four impactful years of service.
The firm is transferring key client relationships to Emerge Law Group, a Portland-based leader in the legal cannabis and psychedelic space. This development represents more than just a business decision—it signals a shift in how legal support is being structured for this rapidly growing field.
PMLG decided to wind down after forming a co-counsel arrangement with Emerge earlier this year. This partnership is rooted in shared values, emphasizing expert guidance and dedication to psychedelics and plant medicine clients. As the industry begins to take on a more formalized legal structure, the transition is a strategic move, helping to ensure continued support for companies at the intersection of healthcare, psychedelics, and wellness.
Emerge Law Group’s Legacy of Advocacy
Emerge Law Group is no stranger to pioneering legal work. Founded in 2014, Emerge played a crucial role in drafting and passing Oregon Ballot Measure 109, which made psilocybin services legal in the state—the first of its kind in the U.S. The firm also helped legalize recreational cannabis in Oregon with Ballot Measure 91. Their experience and long-standing commitment to plant medicine law make them an ideal partner to step in and take over PMLG’s network of relationships.
So, what does this mean for the future of psychedelic law? As the transition strengthens Emerge’s reach in the industry, clients and companies can expect not only a continuation of PMLG’s dedicated service but also expanded access to top-tier legal minds who have been on the front lines of cannabis and psychedelic legalization.
“Emerge is thrilled to have the opportunity to solidify its relationship with PMLG clients and attorneys,” said Kaci Hohmann, an attorney at Emerge Law Group. The transition reflects the growing demand for specialized legal services in psychedelics—a sector still in its early legal stages but showing signs of rapid growth as societal perspectives on plant medicine shift.
With increased public acceptance, legal frameworks around psychedelics are beginning to mirror those seen in the cannabis industry. However, this transition is happening in a much more fragmented and cautious manner, with various states taking different approaches to legalization. Oregon’s psilocybin program is leading the charge, offering a glimpse into what a legalized psychedelic therapy model could look like. At the same time, other states remain hesitant, stuck in outdated legal frameworks that criminalize these substances despite a growing body of research supporting their therapeutic potential.
Opportunities and Challenges for the Psychedelic Sector
This evolving legal landscape highlights both the opportunities and challenges facing companies and advocates in plant medicine. From healthcare startups offering psychedelic-assisted therapy to advocates pushing for broader decriminalization, having experienced legal counsel is more crucial than ever. For those companies that will now be working with Emerge Law Group, the shift promises stability during a time of rapid expansion in the psychedelic sector.
Adriana Kertzer, Co-Founder of PMLG, sees this transition as more than just a handover. “Emerge Law Group has been a leader in shaping the legal landscape for cannabis and psychedelics, and I couldn’t think of a more forward-thinking team capable of serving our clients in the manner that they’ve come to expect from PMLG,” she said. Her confidence reflects the trust PMLG has placed in Emerge, signaling a strong future for their clients.
This transition is not just about legal advice; it’s about the future of how psychedelics are integrated into society. With the legal frameworks still taking shape, having firms like Emerge lead the charge ensures that these changes will be handled with care, expertise, and foresight. For those in the psychedelic community, this signals hope for a future where plant medicines are not only decriminalized but embraced as essential tools for healing and growth.
As we watch this story unfold, it’s clear that the psychedelic legal landscape is entering a new era—one where firms like Emerge will continue to advocate for responsible, safe, and accessible plant medicine.
