Regulatory & Administrative Law

Cannabis Law

We have represented clients in the cannabis industry since shortly after medical marijuana was legalized in Massachusetts. Our practice expanded in this cutting-edge industry when Massachusetts legalized recreational marijuana use. One of our attorneys, who also serves as a Massachusetts state representative, introduced in the Massachusetts state legislature the bill that served as a model for the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act of 2016. He also serves as a Chair on the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy.

Our clients are pacesetters, paving the way for others to do business in this emerging market. Whether you’re a start-up or established cannabis business, a cannabis executive, an individual marijuana establishment agent, a company providing goods and services to the cannabis market or an investor, we can help you navigate the maze of regulations in this fast-growing and constantly evolving industry.

REGULATORY & ADMINISTRATIVE LAW PRACTICES

Advising cannabis industry clients on:

business formation and operations
medical and recreational licensing and regulatory compliance
municipal approvals of host community agreements
local siting, zoning and permitting requirements
debt and equity financing and joint ventures
real estate acquisitions, sales and leasing
environmental issues affecting developers, landlords and tenants
employment issues, including executive employment contracts, drafting employee handbooks and training on workplace policies and procedures
tax matters
intellectual property protection
information privacy and data security planning

Results

Outcomes we can be proud of.

Representing a dispensary in its state Land Court challenge to impermissible restrictions imposed on its cannabis manufacturing license via local permit provisions.
Advising a recreational licensee on compliance issues with economic empowerment status.
Representing a medical marijuana dispensary in appealing the denial of a special permit and the improper grant of a permit to a competitor.
Representing a medical marijuana licensee in business matters, including business formation, raising capital and structuring a management services agreement.
Representing a holder of multiple medical marijuana dispensary licenses in a facility ownership dispute.
Representing a services provider to a Massachusetts medical marijuana dispensary business in contractual arrangements and tax matters.
Represented a tri-licensed dispensary in negotiating options to purchase and lease property, including analyzing zoning regulations.
Represented a medical marijuana dispensary license holder in Massachusetts Superior Court in the successful appeal of its license revocation.
Negotiated employment and equity agreements for senior executives.

Disclaimer

Possessing, using, distributing or selling marijuana or marijuana-based products is illegal under federal law, even where a state law decriminalizes or legalizes such activities. Compliance with state law does not assure compliance with federal law. Any information on our website or in any client alerts does not and is not intended to provide any assistance in violating federal law.