Gowling WLG
An increasingly prominent firm in the cannabis sphere, Gowling WLG added 11 new clients to its roster over the past year. Distinguished by its ability to lean on the wider firm’s signature IP offering, the team shines in regulatory and IP-related issues, with sources highlighting its ‘extraordinary level of unique regulatory knowledge’. It also houses a robust transactional practice, which recently saw Toronto-based Peter Simeon advise IM Cannabis Corp on three strategic acquisitions completed through IMC Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of IM Cannabis and IMC Pharma. Ottawa-based regulatory specialist Lewis Retik co-heads the practice alongside Simeon. Toronto-based IP partner Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel is also noted.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Gowlings WLG has a very unique ability to provide quality regulatory advice in addition to providing product specific advice on cannabis in Canada. It is very difficult to find this extraordinary level of unique regulatory knowledge.’
‘Its comprehensive understanding of the ever-changing and complex cannabis regulations is truly unmatched. Whether it's federal, provincial, or municipal regulations, Lewis Retik's team has an in-depth grasp of the legal landscape, enabling it to navigate the intricacies of the cannabis industry with finesse.’
‘The team’s dedication to being at the forefront of regulatory changes empowers it to anticipate potential legal challenges and develop innovative strategies to address them effectively.’
‘Lewis Retik's expertise and approach as a cannabis lawyer truly sets him apart from others in the field. Lewis is not just a lawyer; he is a thought leader in the realm of cannabis law.’
Key clients
- Khiron Life Sciences Corp
- IM Cannabis Corp
- Lobe Sciences
- Bluma Wellness
- Innocan Pharma Corporation
- Red White & Bloom Brands
- Canopy Growth Corporation
- Aleafia Health
- Truss Beverage Company
- SOL Global Investments Corp
- MichiCann Medical
- TREC Brands
- BioHarvest
- Lifted Innovations
- Franchise Global Health
- Sierra Well
Work highlights
- Advised IM Cannabis Corp on three strategic acquisitions completed through IMC Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of IM Cannabis and IMC Pharma.
- Advised Israel-based Innocan Pharma Corporation on the filing of a final short-form base shelf prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada.
- Advised Khiron Life Sciences Corp on its $4.6m public offering of units of the company.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Peter Simeon, Lewis Retik