Cannabis
Serving clients in the cannabis industry in a wide range of regulatory and business matters, we bring fresh thinking to the novel legal obstacles and operational challenges that face the industry as state and federal treatment of cannabis companies and their adjacent business partners continues to evolve.
Our clients include growers, distributors, processors, dispensary owners, and ancillary businesses that provide goods and services to the industry. Whether our clients are looking for someone with a firm grasp on the cannabis regulatory landscape, seasoned lawyers who can handle complicated issues with skill and ease, or an understanding of the current case law affecting cannabis companies, our goal is to support our clients' success. Our work includes:
- Business transactions
- Dispute resolution and litigation
- Finance
- Employment
- Insurance
- Intellectual property
- Licensing and permitting
- Real estate and zoning
- Regulatory compliance
Formation and Governance
Our attorneys advise clients on how to get their cannabis ventures off the ground; we counsel clients on creating their legal entity in a way that clearly defines operational and investment terms while limiting liability from future risks. From there, we guide clients through obtaining their initial license or registration and prepare and file compliance documents as needed to keep the business in good standing. We provide application support and guidance on state licensure requirements and issues involving corporate governance and recordkeeping, real estate acquisition and business capitalization through various investor strategies. We develop commercial contracts and forms, agreements with key employees, business partners, suppliers, and distributors, and legally compliant policies and procedures.
Business Transactions
From pre-transaction planning and structuring through the letter of intent, due diligence, document drafting and closing, we work with buyers and sellers, lenders and borrowers, landlords and tenants through each stage of the process to navigate complex business transactions in a highly regulated space.
Regulatory Compliance
As with any highly regulated business, success in the cannabis industry depends on business owners' ability to comply with local and state laws. Federal laws create complex problems, with the risk of criminal penalties and asset forfeiture necessitating a delicate dance to maneuver around possible enforcement. Experienced and professional regulatory compliance guidance is more than just a luxury in the legalized cannabis space — it's necessary. We provide compliance guidance in all areas relevant to cannabis businesses, including:
- Cannabis industry and general business regulation
- Commerce, transportation, and distribution
- Employment, including wage and hour issues
- Federal safety
- Financial and banking
- Local planning and zoning
- Local, state, and federal taxation
- Medical cannabis and healthcare
- Privacy issues
Referral Network
We work with clients and friends of the firm to deliver an array of industry-specific resources and opportunities. Our wide clientele permits us to make mutually beneficial introductions among them and match needs and capabilities.
Cannabis Industry Advocacy
Our cannabis lawyers use their industry knowledge to promote and influence regulatory change. From giving testimony at a state senate hearing on a proposal to revise cannabis licensee ownership restrictions to participating in industry workgroups on issues ranging from Delta-8 regulation and the use of licenses as collateral for secured loan transactions, we are actively involved in the many conversations that shape the future of the cannabis industry.
