Cannabis Law & Regulatory Attorneys

Regulatory, Administrative and Utility Law

Helping you succeed in complex regulatory landscapes

Cannabis

We are pleased to have been one of the first established law firms in Washington to embrace businesses involved in the commercial production and distribution of marijuana. GTH was integrally involved with the passage of I-502 in November 2012, and we have been representing clients in the cannabis industry ever since. We have successfully guided numerous applicants through the process to obtain their producer, processor, and retailer licenses from the Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board and have extensive experience working cooperatively with the LCB. This experience in alcohol and regulated substance laws enables us to help our clients navigate the challenging industry regulations and assist them with developing compliant business strategies. Through our work, clients quickly learn to value our attorneys’ understanding of the unique business litigation, real estate, land use, and employment law issues that marijuana businesses face on a regular basis.

Experience

Licensing

We have successfully guided many clients through the licensing process to obtain their producer, processor, and retailer licenses from the Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board, and have helped others buy and sell interests in marijuana licenses.Lawyers at GTH have extensive experience working cooperatively with the LCB and can help solve challenging licensing issues.

Administrative Appeals

We routinely handle appeals of LCB decisions, including licensing, enforcement, and rulemaking decisions. We have successfully appealed numerous violations and have saved many licenses from cancellation through both settlements with the LCB and successful appeals.

Business Transactions

Lawyers at GTH have assisted with the purchase and sale of numerous marijuana businesses and licenses, have assisted with financing arrangements, and have helped structure cannabis business entities and their affiliates.

Employment Issues

Cannabis businesses often have a need for legal assistance with employment issues. We have several employment attorneys available to our marijuana business clients when quick legal advice is needed.

Real Estate and Land Use

GTH represents clients in real estate transactions and land use issues related to marijuana business. With respect to zoning, we have successfully challenged multiple County’s that have sought to shut down marijuana businesses after a zoning change, and have assisted other clients in helping shape helpful ordinances for the marijuana industry. We also assist our clients in negotiating leases for their retail or producer premises locations, which need to be in place when filing for your license with the LCB. Further, we assist our restaurant clients with lease negotiations, business purchases, and all of their LCB licenses issues relating to liquor licensing, violations and other operational issues.