Next Generation Partners

Cannabis in United States

Dentons

The expertise of the team at Dentons extends from strategic counselling, risk mitigation, and compliance, to support with transactional and contentious mandates. Chicago-based Eric Berlin steers the department and dedicates his practice to assisting companies that sell products or services to the cannabis industry, testing labs, cultivators and processors with corporate transactions and litigation. Additional key contacts in Chicago include Joanne Caceres, who is noted for her regulatory work for cannabis, hemp, and emerging psychedelics-sector clients; and Michael Froy, who is frequently instructed by manufacturers, cannabis, and healthcare-sector clients. Los Angeles-based managing associate Lauren Estevez routinely counsels cannabis brands, CBD companies, investors, and ancillary businesses on regulatory compliance.

Practice head(s):

Eric Berlin


Other key lawyers:

Joanne Caceres; Michael Froy; Lauren Estevez


Work highlights


  • Advised Medicine Man Technologies on its agreement to acquire certain assets of Sucellus, LLC, pursuant to which Schwazze will manage Everest Apothecary, Inc., a New Mexico not-for-profit corporation.
  • Advised Canopy Growth Corp. on a novel strategy to accelerate its entry into the US cannabis industry through the creation of a new, US-domiciled holding company, Canopy USA LLC.
  • Assisted Bright Green with regulatory licensing, its initial public offering on Nasdaq, and financing.

Duane Morris LLP

The practice at Duane Morris LLP is known for assisting businesses and individuals at every level of the cannabis supply chain with corporate, transactional, and regulatory mandates, litigation, and cannabis-related tax, real estate, and IP matters. The group’s varied client roster often features state-licensed marijuana and hemp cultivators, processors, distributors, and dispensaries, as well as businesses that render services to the cannabis industry. The department is co-directed by a trio of experienced partners. Philadelphia-based Seth Goldberg, lauded as a ‘lawyer’s lawyer with a steady hand’, advises industry players and investors on regulatory and business matters pertaining to their legal cannabis activities. Over in Las Vegas, corporate specialist Tracy Gallegos handles M&A, entity formation, corporate governance, and restructuring. In New Jersey, Paul Josephson focuses his practice on constitutional and regulatory litigation. Additional names to note include Los Angeles-based Justin Santarosa and New York-based Michael Schwamm, who focus on corporate work involving the cannabis sector.

Practice head(s):

Tracy Gallegos; Seth Goldberg; Paul Josephson


Other key lawyers:

Justin Santarosa; Michael Schwamm


Testimonials

‘Duane Morris’ cannabis practice is simply the best in the country. They have the most thorough knowledge of our ever-changing industry and its regulatory landscape. Michael Schwamm – outstanding legal expertise and willingness to understand our individual business needs and react and provide the best and most appropriate legal counsel at the time.’

‘What makes Duane Morris unique among peer firms is the entrepreneurial spirit of the cannabis practice, backed up by extensive institutional knowledge and experience of business. They created laws, regulations, and precedents that govern and protect the cannabis industry today and advised businesses how to operate within them.’

‘The passion and commitment of Duane Morris’ lawyers to serve businesses and entrepreneurs is evident, and the firm has acted as a pathfinder through a constellation of state laws and regulation – many of which the firm’s cannabis practice has helped shape.’

Key clients

BGP Acquisition Corp.


StateHouse Holdings


Act Laboratories


Forian


Green Thumb Industries


Curio Wellness


Illicit Gardens LLC


Work highlights


  • Represented Forian in the sale of Forian’s cannabis software subsidiary, Bio-Tech Medical Software, to Alleaves, a provider of ERP software solutions to the cannabis industry for a total purchase price of $30m in cash.
  • Advised Act Laboratories, a cannabis testing lab company with operations in six states, on its acquisition of CDX Analytics, a Massachusetts testing lab company.
  • Represented StateHouse in a class action litigation alleging that the labeling of THC levels in StateHouse-branded cannabis pre-rolls was false and inflated, in violation of California’s consumer protection statutes.

Goodwin

The ‘strategic’ team at Goodwin is well-placed to assist clients with corporate transactions, regulatory matters, and litigation alike. The group’s transactional offering includes company and investor-side transactions such as capital raises and M&A. With regard to regulatory work, the team frequently advises companies, banks, investor funds, and real estate developers on state and federal regulations. On the contentious front, intellectual property disputes, securities litigation investigations and class actions constitute core areas of practice. Leadership of the department is shared by three partners: Jennifer Fisher and Brett Schuman, both based in San Francisco, specialize in litigation, cannabis regulatory and compliance issues; and litigating high-profile intellectual property cases, respectively. In Silicon Valley, Bill Growney‘s broad expertise encompasses financings, M&A, corporate governance, licensing and IP matters. Over in New York, Joshua Eisenson supports the founders and executives of emerging and growth companies in the cannabis segment through all stages of the corporate lifecycle.

Practice head(s):

Jennifer Fisher; Brett Schuman; Bill Growney


Other key lawyers:

Joshua Eisenson


Testimonials

‘I love the Goodwin Team, they are strategic counsel, acting almost as business partners.’

Key clients

Ayr Wellness, Inc.


Central Coast Agriculture, Inc.


Combs Enterprises


Cresco Labs


Cronos Group Inc.


Dama Financial


Gotham Green Partners


KIVA Brands, Inc.


Serruya Private Equity


Waitr, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Represented Central Coast Agriculture dba Raw Garden in a federal trademark infringement litigation brought by BBK Tobacco & Foods, LLP in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.
  • Advised Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc., on its acquisition of four licensed dispensaries in Aberdeen, Crofton, Ellicott City, and Laurel.
  • Represented defendant Kiva Brands in a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by Kiva Health Brands.

DLA Piper LLP (US)

DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s cannabis practice provides clients with support on litigation and corporate transactions relating to the cannabis industry, as well as handling securities, capital markets and corporate governance matters. It is routinely instructed by private and publicly-traded companies working in the cannabis sector, start-ups, and venture capitals. Boston-based Stefanie Fogel heads up the group and has focused her practice on multinational food and consumer product regulation work, corporate compliance, and commercial and class action litigation. Maggie Craig, also in Boston, majors on regulatory compliance, product recalls, and consumer class action litigation. The Washington DC office was strengthened with the arrival of Perham Gorji from the Food and Drug Administration in July 2023.

Practice head(s):

Stefanie Fogel


Other key lawyers:

Maggie Craig; Perham Gorji


Key clients

Just Brands


Simply Better Brands


Charlotte’s Web Holdings, Inc.


Massage Envy Franchising, LLC


22nd Century Group, Inc.


The HEXO Corporation


14th Round, Inc.


Nature’s Grace and Wellness, LLC


Work highlights


  • Represented Charlotte’s Web in an exclusive sponsorship arrangement with Major League Baseball.
  • Represented Tilray Brands, Inc. ‎‎in its acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of HEXO Corp. pursuant to a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario).
  • Acted for Simply Better Brands in a qualified transaction to merge with a listed entity, as well as providing public reporting, corporate advice, and commercial litigation support.

Fox Rothschild LLP

The team at Fox Rothschild LLP is frequently called upon by cannabis growers, distributors, processors, and investors seeking assistance with corporate transactions, regulatory matters, and litigation. A core area of practice for the group lies in defending cannabis licensees in disciplinary matters brought by state regulators, and it is equally equipped to handle related tax and employment work. The practice is co-directed by Chicago-based regulatory and transactional specialist William Bogot, who has significant experience assisting private and public cannabis companies with shareholder liability, venture capital, taxation, and financial services issues. Alongside him, Philadelphia-based Joshua Horn assists established and emerging cannabis and hemp businesses with corporate transactions such as mergers, acquisitions and capital raises. Seattle-based Joshua Ashby is an additional key contact for corporate cannabis work.

Practice head(s):

William Bogot; Joshua Horn


Other key lawyers:

Joshua Ashby


Key clients

Trulieve


MariMed Inc.


SNDL


Nature’s Grace and Wellness, LLC


Work highlights


  • Advised SNDL Inc. on its $138m CAD acquisition of The Valens Company Inc., creating a vertically integrated entity in Canada that generates over a billion dollars in annualized revenue.
  • Defeated an attempt by the Illinois Department of Agriculture to shut down a 150,000-square-foot screenhouse Nature’s Grace and Wellness, LLC had used to cultivate cannabis for three years.
  • Advised MariMed Inc. on a $35m secured credit facility it secured with Chicago Atlantic Advisors, LLC.

Dickinson Wright PLLC

Dickinson Wright PLLC‘s practice assists clients with corporate, financing, real estate, employment, and IP aspects of cannabis work, as well as covering transactional and contentious mandates. The team has additional expertise in state, local and federal regulatory compliance, private equity investments, and government investigations. The group is co-directed by a Columbus-based duo, comprising Scot Crow and Benton Bodamer. The pair is well-versed in transactions such as M&A, venture capital financings, private offerings, private equity investments, mezzanine debt offerings, and divestitures. Lloyd Pierre-Louis, also based in Columbus, assists growers, manufacturers, retailers and testing labs with regulatory compliance and administrative law matters.

Practice head(s):

Scot Crow; Benton Bodamer


Other key lawyers:

Lloyd Pierre-Louis


Testimonials

Dickinson Wright has a team of highly skilled and specialized attorneys who possess deep expertise across a wide spectrum of legal domains. The firm’s commitment to excellence in legal practice ensures that clients receive tailored and comprehensive advice that is at the forefront of industry standards.’

‘Benjamin Sobczak is an outstanding professional. His standout qualities truly set him apart in our competitive field. Ben’s commitment to excellence is unparalleled. His meticulous approach to tasks consistently yields exceptional results, showcasing a dedication that goes above and beyond client expectations. Innovative mindset, clear, effective communication and willingness to collaborate.’

Key clients

Alternative Medical Enterprises, LLC


Farmaceuticalrx LLC (of Ohio)


Terrasana


Cultivate


Thornapple


Hlabs


Gage Growth Corp


Clade 9


Doghouse


Choice Consolidation Corp


Gotham Green


Pelorus Capital


Emerald Growth


Natrabis


Irwin Naturals


Hawthorne Hydroponics


Embarc


Jushi


Australis


JRJ Ventures


Ohio Grown Therapies LLC


Work highlights


  • Advised Common Citizen on a joint venture to open a retail dispensary operation in Detroit.
  • Assisted JRJ Ventures with drafting transactional documents to build out new business lines for the company.
  • Represented Common Citizen in preparation, filing and successful prosecution of a highly competitive adult-use license municipal application for Detroit, Michigan.

Farella Braun + Martel LLP

Farella Braun + Martel LLP‘s California-based practice is frequently called upon by cultivators, manufacturers, retailers, and investors seeking assistance with corporate issues such as structuring, regulatory compliance, and matters of real estate, employment, IP, and tax planning. The team is co-directed by Ryan Lowther, who counsels his cannabis clients on the launch, funding, and expansion of their businesses. Alongside him, Jeffrey Hamilton is known for representing investors and investment funds, ancillary businesses, cultivators, manufacturers and distributors in transactions, as well as assisting the same stakeholders with general corporate and regulatory advice.

Practice head(s):

Ryan Lowther; Jeff Hamilton


Key clients

TILT Holdings, Inc.


Leafgistics, Inc.


Poseidon Investment Management


Work highlights


  • Advised TILT Holdings Inc., a global provider of cannabis business solutions that include inhalation technologies, cultivation, manufacturing, processing, brand development, and retail, on a series of transactions to refinance its $86.7m legacy debt, effectively reducing TILT’s outstanding debt by 47% over a 12-month period.
  • Acted as general counsel for Poseidon Investment Management, whose team was the first to launch an investment fund in the U.S. to be focused solely on cannabis investments.
  • Advised Leafgistics, Inc., the leading cannabis logistics company focusing on retail-first logistics services, with respect to financing round and its joint venture relationship with LeafLink, the leading wholesale platform in the cannabis industry.

Greenspoon Marder LLP

The Greenspoon Marder LLP team handles a number of matters affecting cannabis and hemp-sector clients, including state-level licensing, real estate acquisition, litigation, tax, and regulatory and compliance issues. The group is instructed by investors, lenders, startups, and corporations, and also routinely represents ancillary businesses that provide products or services to the cannabis industry. The department is co-directed by Chicago-based Irina Dashevsky, who specializes in state-level licensing issues and cannabis product marketing, Alongside her, Nick Richards in Denver also co-leads and handles tax, M&A, and regulatory compliance work.

Practice head(s):

Irina Dashevsky; Nick Richards


Other key lawyers:

Ryan Holz; Irina Dashevsky; Matthew Schiller; Matthew Ginder


Testimonials

‘The Greenspoon Marder team is resourceful, experienced, responsive, proactive, and reassuring throughout the course of delivering high quality legal services. The team is willing to work with clients in developing arguments and positions that are well-researched, well-developed, and well-articulated.’

‘Nick Richards is a terrific legal resource – willing to think outside the box, always available and responsive, quick-thinking.’

‘Everyone works well with each other. They understand the industry and get deals done. Ryan Holz – great regulatory knowledge. Irina Dashevsky – all around great leader.’

Key clients

Combs Global Cannabis Ventures, LLC


Multiple Illinois Cannabis Craft Grow Litigation Clients


Multiple Licensing & Applications Clients


Seven Point Dispensing; of Michigan; of Illinois


New York CannaBusiness Chamber of Commerce


BazzJAT Retail, Inc.


Dominica62 Retail License, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Acted as regulatory deal counsel in the acquisition of divestiture assets across Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York by Combs Global Cannabis Ventures from the Cresco and Columbia Care merger.
  • Represented 36 Illinois craft grow license applicants in ongoing litigation with the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
  • Assisted several clients in applying for various cannabis licenses in New York, New Jersey, Texas, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Husch Blackwell LLP

Demonstrating ‘deep cannabis knowledge’, the Denver-based team at Husch Blackwell LLP handles regulatory and transactional mandates, as well as a range of associated cannabis matters such as corporate and securities, vendor contracts, employment law, corporate governance, real estate, IP, litigation, and tax. The group is co-directed by cannabis all-rounder Marshall Custer and the deeply knowledgeable, competent lawyer’ Steven Levine. The key associate-level contacts are Lindy Martinez, senior Megan Beebe, and senior counsel Alyssa Samuel, who focuses on transactional and regulatory mandates.

Practice head(s):

Steve Levine; Marshall Custer


Other key lawyers:

Megan Beebe; Lindy Martinez; Alyssa Samuel; Yuefan Wang


Testimonials

‘The team is amazing. No matter the issue, the firm has an expert in that field that has been able to help guide us in the correct direction.’

‘Marshall Custer – the man with all the answers. Marshall’s skills, knowledge and counsel have been a large contributing factor to the growth of our company. Steve Levine is a deeply knowledgeable, competent lawyer. He has always provided great insight and is always on the front of whatever is happening in the industry.’

‘Deep cannabis knowledge and track record. Great connections, breadth of practice. Support of the industry.’

‘Steve Levine is one of the most trusted attorneys in the cannabis space. Marshall Custer and Yuefan Wang are well-respected lawyers.’

Key clients

PharmaCann, Inc.


The Green Joint


Royal Companies


Lightshade; Buddy Boy; PotCo


StayCon, LLC (Craft Concentrates)


RA’ Flower Brands


Agriscience Labs


Future Works


Clear Cannabis, Inc.


Former Futurevision Holdings, LLC Shareholders


Key Investment Partners


SLCC, LLC


LivWell Enlightened Health


NR ParentCo, LLC d/b/a Native Roots


Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

The team at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP assists companies, individuals, and investors with the range of cannabis matters, including complex regulatory and licensing mandates. National practice head Anita Famili, based at the firm’s Los Angeles location, is well-versed in corporate structuring, M&A, regulatory compliance, and advertising. Axel Bernabe joined the New York office from the Office of Cannabis Management in October 2023 and brings regulatory expertise as well as knowledge of the healthcare and cannabis industries to the table.

Practice head(s):

Anita Famili


Other key lawyers:

Axel Bernabe


Key clients

A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners


MedMen Enterprises Inc.


Ghost Management Group dba Weedmaps


Unrivaled Brands Inc.


Cookies


530 Cannabis


Travis Scott/Cactus Farms


American News Company


CVS / Aetna


Hello Again


Synergy


Zuber Lawler

Zuber Lawler‘s cannabis practice is equipped to assist clients with cannabis-related corporate, M&A, real estate, labor and employment, and litigation mandates. Additional core areas of focus for the group include FDA compliance, and aspects of IP, including trademark and patent prosecution, product licensing, and anti-counterfeiting. The department is directed by Los Angeles-based founder and managing partner Thomas Zuber, who regularly counsels financial, tech, pharmaceutical, and insurance-sector clients. In Phoenix, Janet E. Jackim is well-versed in handling the acquisition and sale of cannabis operations, cannabis license applications, and restructuring mandates.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Zuber


Other key lawyers:

Janet E. Jackim


Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP

The Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP team’s cannabis expertise covers M&A and the structuring of investments, securities, litigation and arbitration, and the preparation of marijuana applications with state and municipal regulatory agencies and boards. It is frequently instructed by cannabis cultivators, processors, dispensaries, and traditional companies affected by cannabis laws. At the helm of the practice, Bryna Dahlin advises on issues of regulatory compliance, contracts and licensing, and intellectual property protection. She has additional expertise in litigation. Bill Doran specializes in M&A, private equity, and general corporate and commercial transactions, while Bob Morgan has a strong practice in regulatory compliance. All individuals mentioned are based in Chicago, with the exception of Cleveland-based Robert Zimmerman, who focuses on litigation.

Practice head(s):

Bryna Dahlin


Other key lawyers:

Bill Doran; Bob Morgan; Robert Zimmerman


Key clients

TPCO Holdings Corp.


Nuka/1906


CCSAC, Inc. and CANN Distributors, Inc.


Cresco Labs


Vill-Ops, Thrax


Six was Nice, LLC dba Gentlemen Smugglers


Springbig Holdings, Inc.


Chicago NORML


Io73 Investments Inc. dba Headwaters


Work highlights


  • Acted as lead corporate and intellectual property counsel to TPCO’s restructuring of its business relationships with Roc Nation and Sean (Jay-Z) Carter.
  • Successfully petitioned the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to add a new product category—tablets for oral administration—allowing Nuka (dba1906) to return to the Ohio market, following the removal of all of its products from the Ohio market.
  • Assisted Cresco Labs with regulatory compliance regarding product labeling, product formulation, and environmental issues.

Arnold & Porter

The cannabis team at Arnold & Porter is frequently instructed by funds, investors, financial institutions, and corporations in the pharmaceutical, consumer products, and cannabis segments seeking assistance with compliance, regulatory matters, and corporate transactions. The Washington DC-based practice is jointly headed up by Howard Sklamberg, an expert on FDA regulatory compliance who also represents clients in governmental investigations and enforcement matters, and Evelina Norwinski, who counsels manufacturer, distributor, retailer, and investor clients on the federal and state laws applicable to US cannabis operations. Life sciences and healthcare regulatory practice co-lead Daniel Kracov is known for assisting pharmaceutical and biotech companies with the challenges associated with the development, approval and marketing of FDA-regulated products.

Practice head(s):

Howard Sklamberg; Evelina Norwinski


Other key lawyers:

Daniel Kracov


Key clients

Columbia Care


National Retail Chain for Personal Care Products


Large Dietary Supplement Company


Family Office


Chemical Supplier


Cannabis Private Equity Company


Bronx Defenders


Work highlights


  • Advised and supported Columbia Care in the development of federal policy regulating medical cannabis and the scheduling of cannabis.
  • Advised a National Retail Chain for Personal Care Products on federal and state laws governing personal care products containing hemp derivatives including the manufacture, import, packaging, labelling, and retail sale.
  • Advised a Cannabis Private Equity Company on legality and FDA regulatory issues related to an investment in a company producing well-being products with certain psychoactive mushroom extracts.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP

The practice at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP demonstrates strength in providing advisory, contentious, and transactional support to cannabis clients in the Southeastern United States. The group’s expertise encompasses licensing and permitting, regulatory compliance, branding and IP protection, and real estate mandates. In addition, the team regularly provides advice on corporate, securities, and financing transactions, and represents clients in litigation. The department is co-led by ‘A+ legal talent’ Whitt Steineker, who specializes in transactional work and litigation and frequently assists multinational corporations, local businesses, and individuals. Alongside him, Jay Wright handles local, state, and federal compliance matters. Both practice heads are based at the firm’s Birmingham office.

Practice head(s):

Whitt Steineker; Jay Wright


Testimonials

‘Whitt Steineker is at the heart of the team, a consummate strategist and an A+ legal talent.’

Key clients

Samson Growth, LLC


ATG Industries, LLC


LyonsWeb Processing, LLC


Work highlights


  • Acted as counsel for a national industrial hemp processor’s fundraising efforts, working with investors from around the globe to complete a $5m raise in 2022 and handling another $5m raise in 2023.
  • Acted as general counsel role for a hemp cultivator, processor, distributor, and dispensing company based in the Southeastern United States and recently assisted in the drafting and negotiating an international distribution agreement for hemp-based CBD products in the Caribbean, South America and Europe.
  • Acted as counsel in a number of Southern states on corporate formation, investor relations, and license applications for one of the largest cannabis-focused private equity groups in the world.

Dykema Gossett PLLC

The group at Dykema Gossett PLLC draws on the firm’s network and works closely with its licensing and regulatory, M&A, litigation, and tax departments. The firm is a regular advisor to licensees that grow, process, test, transport, and sell cannabis products, as well as foreign corporations and financial institutions. Michigan-based Lance Boldrey steers the group and specializes in licensing, regulatory, and legislative matters, with additional expertise in real estate matters, M&A, and lobbying activities.

Practice head(s):

Lance Boldrey


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Scott


Testimonials

‘Andrew Scott is a great executor, he’s able to get whatever is needed done in a timely manner.’

Key clients

LJA Holdings, LLC


Green Medicine Shop


Primitiv Holdings LLC


Chill Medicated LLC


VB Chesaning d/b/a High Life Farms


MSV, MI


710 Labs


Say Yes to Brighton Committee


Glorious Cannabis Co.


HRP Cassopolis, LLC


Triple K Wealth, LLC


Work highlights


  • Represented HRP Cassopolis, LLC before a Michigan Circuit Court, resulting in the court recognizing cannabis cultivation as an agricultural operation.
  • Assisted LJA with maintaining its license to operate a marijuana facility.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

The group at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP specializes in cannabis disputes, offering clients representation in litigation and arbitration. Core areas of work for the team include managing disputes with investors and shareholders over management and ownership, class actions, securities litigation, and patent, trademark and copyright litigation. The team also has substantial arbitration experience and has appeared before a number of domestic and international arbitration institutions. Los Angeles-based Robert Becher leads the team and regularly represents multi-state cannabis businesses, dispensary chains, and directors of cannabis businesses in disputes.

Practice head(s):

Robert Becher


Testimonials

‘The QE attorneys are able to flexibly assemble teams across global offices thanks to the distinctive culture of this law firm, which offers us more customized services, and we truly appreciate the team’s consistent, outstanding support and professional expertise.’

‘Robert Becher, in particular, has extensive practical experience and in-depth knowledge of cannabis regulation, case law, and industry practices. Working with him is a pleasure and efficient experience due to his excellent communication and analytical skills, and he consistently provides valuable advice.’

Key clients

Ray Akhavan


Playboy Enterprises International, Inc. and Products Licensing LLC


Tilray Inc.


Diversified Panels Systems, Inc.


Aphria


Tradeinvest Asset Management Company (BVI) Ltd., First Ocean Enterprises SA, and Techview Investments Ltd.


TGHI II LLC, Prime Overseas Investments and Enterprises Ltd., and Techview Investments Ltd.


Smart & Safe Florida


GW Research Limited


Cresco Labs Inc.


Parker Berling and Gilbert Milam, Jr.


Work highlights


  • Represented Smart & Safe Florida in defending a ballot initiative that would allow Florida voters to choose whether to amend the state’s constitution to permit adults’ personal use of marijuana.
  • Represented defendants Tilray Brands, Inc. and High Park Holdings Ltd. in a licensing dispute.
  • Represented investors in a securities lawsuit against Parallel.

Seyfarth Shaw LLP

The core strengths of Seyfarth Shaw LLP‘s practice lie in assisting clients with corporate transactions, equity and debt financings, and tax, real estate, and labor and employment mandates relating to the cannabis sector. Washington DC-based Stanley Jutkowitz leads the department and has focused his practice on tax counseling, corporate transactions, and cannabis risk assessments.

Practice head(s):

Stanley S. Jutkowitz


Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP

Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP‘s cannabis department supports cannabis brands, insurance companies, and financial institutions with an impressive range of cannabis mandates. Areas of expertise include transactional support for M&A, corporate governance, commercial litigation, trademark and patent matters, and cannabis-related employment mandates. The practice is co-directed by Ian Stewart, who is routinely instructed by financial institutions and insurance companies, and Dean Rocco, who specializes in transactional and regulatory compliance matters, as well as litigation. Both attorneys are based in Los Angeles. In New York, Jonathan Meer focuses on insurance coverage for directors and officers of cannabis companies.

Practice head(s):

Dean Rocco; Ian Stewart


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Meer


Testimonials

‘They have excellent coverage across classes of business and US geography. They have always been able to provide a qualified attorney for any needs.’

‘Ian Stewart has been an essential partner in our entry and growth within the cannabis insurance space. He is a true subject-matter expert.’

‘Wilson Elser has a great team of attorneys across the country who are well-versed in exposures arising out of the cannabis industry.’

Key clients

AON


Avant Specialty Claims


BellRock Brands (Mary’s Brands and Dixie Brands)


Berkshire Hathaway


BIC Corp


Blitz Insurance


BlueSkyRisk Holdings LLC


BRH Enterprises (d.b.a. Hemper)


Cannasure (through Topa Insurance Co.)


CannGen Insurance Services


Canopius US


Central Coast Agriculture Inc.


CLIC Management


Falls Lake Insurance Co,


Farmers Insurance Co.


Golden Bear Insurance Company


The Harborside Group (Statehouse Holdings)


Hudson Insurance Group


Inszone


LP-KP IP Holdings, LLC / Greenfield Organix, Inc.


Knight Insurance Co.


Linde plc / Praxair


Mammoth Distribution


Markel Corp


Marsh / Mercer / Guy Carpenter Group


MediaJel


Monterey Botanicals


NCRMA (National Cannabis Risk Management Association)


NCRPS (National Cannabis Risk Prevention Services)


NFP


Obsidian Specialty Insurance Co.


Quadscore


Savage Enterprises


SafeHerb


StateHouse Holdings / Greenfield Organics


Trisura Specialty Insurance Co.


Triton Claims Management


WR Berkley


Work highlights


  • Assisted CannGen with cannabis and CBD-related risk management advice, as well as a wide range of cannabis-related claims and litigation.
  • Defended Linde in a putative class action that sought to certify a class of all licensed cannabis companies in Washington that had sustained damages as a result of products contaminated with benzene.
  • Represented Central Coast Agriculture and Nabis in a significant breach of contract case with Herbl, which terminated an exclusive distribution agreement.