Attorney nominated for marijuana commissioner

Gov. Matt Meyer has nominated an attorney and government affairs specialist to serve as the marijuana commissioner for Delaware.

 

Joshua Sanderlin, an attorney and principal with Sanderlin Strategies who has 15 years of business experience advising companies on legal issues and regulation, was nominated by Meyer April 21 and will need Senate confirmation to become the second marijuana commissioner. The first, Robert Coupe, retired at the beginning of the year, leaving the position open until now.

 

“Josh Sanderlin will bring deep expertise, steady leadership, and a clear commitment to equity and accountability to the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner,” said Meyer in a press release. “His experience navigating complex regulatory systems and work across the cannabis industry make him uniquely qualified to launch Delaware’s adult-use marijuana market quickly and correctly. With Josh at the helm, we’re ready to build a system that is safe, transparent and delivers real opportunity for hardworking Delawareans.” 

 
Meyer said Sanderlin’s work has focused heavily on emerging and highly regulated industries, particularly the cannabis sector, where he has become a trusted advisor on multi-state operations, licensing strategy, and regulatory implementation. 
 
Prior to launching his firm, officials said, Sanderlin served as an attorney at Greenberg Traurig LLP, where he represented public- and private-sector clients in litigation, regulatory compliance and legislative matters. Sanderlin also has expertise in administrative law, employment law, corporate governance and public policy. 
 
Sanderlin holds a juris doctor degree from the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, a master of public administration from Florida State University and a bachelor of arts in political science from Jacksonville University. Officials said his work is grounded in a commitment to transparency, equity and responsible governance in emerging markets.