Elite Lawyer

Cannabis Business Attorneys Overview

Elite Cannabis Law Attorney

Marijuana Industry Lawyers Help Cannabis Business Owners

Recreational and medical marijuana are now legal in nine states (Alaska, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Maine, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington).

20 other states (Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia) have approved marijuana for medical use only.

In an ever-growing number of areas across the United States, marijuana business opportunities exist in dispensaries, manufacturing, cultivation, distribution, testing, and more. If you want to start a cannabusiness, it is critical you know all the steps involved. Attorneys who focus on the industry can assist each step of the way and ensure that your business works within the framework of constantly evolving regulations.

You do not want your business to rely on guesswork. You want representation that knows the complete ins and outs of local, state, and federal laws and how they relate to your enterprise.

What to Do First

It is a good idea to learn all you can about the industry, both locally and nationally, to decide what kind of business you want to open. While cannabis dispensaries are the operation most visible to the public, there are many other links in the cannabis supply chain with significant money-making potential.

A marijuana business lawyer can assess your cannabis business plan to make sure you understand the statutes regarding the sale, production, or distribution of legal cannabis, whichever applies. They will help you decide whether forming a partnership, limited liability partnership, or corporation makes the most sense, and what type of financing is best, based on any restrictions in your state.

An attorney can also assist with the preparation of applications for all necessary permits and licenses, which is a complicated process that you are best served not handling on your own.

Commercial Cannabis Activity

Following local ordinances is of the utmost importance, including when it comes to sensitive use zones, which impact the distance allowed between cannabis businesses and schools, parks, and libraries.

Opening a cannabusiness often means licensure at both the state and local level, and regulatory permits add more complexity. Marijuana business attorneys can help navigate the path to full regulatory compliance, and also work with you to establish successful long-term hiring and accounting practices.

Because of continued federal prohibition of marijuana, banking cannabis profits remains a complicated issue, and one an attorney can walk you through, in addition to full tax compliance to ensure your record-keeping will hold up against an IRS audit.

How to Maintain Compliance

Because legalized commercial marijuana is still in its infancy, regulatory changes occur often, and agencies tasked with monitoring the industry come down hard on those not in adherence. An attorney can help you stay compliant by providing constant updates on any applicable legal alterations. They may also assist in the development of best practices for staff training and bookkeeping, so there are no issues if a regulatory inspector pays a surprise visit.

Beyond standard fire, electrical, and plumbing codes, a lawyer can help with regulations specific to the industry, including marijuana waste and chemical disposal and smoke regulation.

If you have a compliance issue, you want it taken care of quickly so it does not impact your business. An attorney or law firm can put a plan of action in place and help see it to fruition in an expedient manner, so your business and its finances are protected.

Featured Attorneys

Tricia Goostree

Tricia Goostree

Kane County Family Law Attorney

Goostree Law Group

555 S. Randall Road, Suite 200
St. Charles, IL 60174
Phone: 630-584-4800
Darlina C. Crowder

Darlina C. Crowder

Collin County Criminal Attorney

The Crowder Law Firm, P.C.

7950 Legacy Drive, Suite 360
Plano, TX 75024
Phone: 214-303-9600
Allen N. Schwartz

Allen N. Schwartz

Illinois Personal Injury Attorney

Schwartz Jambois

60 W. Randolph St., 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-782-5228
Todd A. Bresney

Todd A. Bresney

Springfield, IL Lawyer

Kanoski Bresney

2730 South MacArthur Blvd.
Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: 217-523-7742

Attorney Blog Center


Will I Lose My Home in an Illinois Divorce?

Posted Feb 20, 2024

When it comes to divorce, many things need to be divided and agreed upon before your separation is finalized. In addition to determining child custody and dividing marital assets, figuring...

Read More

How Long You Have To Report An Illinois Car Accident

Posted Feb 20, 2024

Getting into a car accident can be a very jolting experience both literally and figuratively. The accident can leave you confused and unsure of what you should do in the...

Read More

The Rights of a Stay-at-Home Dad in a Divorce

Posted Feb 20, 2024

In todays constantly evolving society, gender roles that were once considered traditional are being challenged, with more men than ever before choosing to be stay-at-home dads. However, stay-at-home dads...

Read More

Can Estate Planning Be Included in a Prenuptial Agreement?

Posted Feb 20, 2024

When couples in Texas decide to enter into a prenuptial agreement, they often focus on financial matters. However, considering the importance of estate planning, it is worth exploring whether estate...

Read More

Elite Lawyers 2019 Top Attorneys

Only The Best


The Elite Lawyer Award assures that every attorney in our directory has received nomination from a peer or our review board for displaying excellence and a high level of competence in their practice. Given only to those who have met or exceeded the criteria of our rigorous, multi-phased selection process. The award recognizes top-rated attorneys for excellence and outstanding service in their area of practice. Call 833-403-5483 to learn more about Elite Lawyer.

Become an Elite Lawyer
  • logo
  • logo
  • Dads Divorce
  • Elite Lawyer
  • logo
  • OVC Chatbox
  • OVC Photography
Back to Top