The sizeable team at Bennett Jones LLP advises all players within the cannabis value chain, such as operators and investors. In addition, the team is well-equipped to advise underwriters and entities in adjoining industries such as consumer goods and often oversees cross-border matters in cannabis related M&A, licences, commercial agreements and corporate finances. Aaron Sonshine is the go-to contact for corporate and securities law issues while Dominique Hussey is well regarded for her IP litigation expertise; they jointly lead the practice which was recently bolstered by the promotion of Melissa Dimilta to partner in March 2021, and the arrival of Kim Lawton from Dentons. Dimilta is often sought by clients to oversee the advertisement, labelling and packaging of cannabis.

The global presence of Dentons allows the team to offer seamless and full-service cannabis-related advisory. Its expertise includes representation of producers and distributors, regulatory compliance, labelling and packaging, marketing and franchising. The practice is led by Eric Foster who, in addition to working on commercial agreements for cannabis industry participants, is also a go-to for media outlets such as The Globe & Mail, The Financial Post, CTV News and Leafly. Mention is also given to Kimberly Burns for her varying client list, including large public cannabis companies, industry players, regulated licensed producers and non-plant touching IP aggregators. Benjamin Iscoe  was promoted to partner in February 2022.

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP‘s practice consists of a substantial team which excels across all cannabis-related matters, including financings, corporate deals, dispute resolution, insolvency and M&A. Tricia Kuhl is well-known for her handling of transactions and regulatory issues within both the medical and recreational cannabis industry; she co-leads the practice alongside Vancouver-based Kathleen Keilty who often advises public and private issuers, private equity funds and investment dealers and is acclaimed for her cannabis expertise in securities and acquisitions.

The team at Gowling WLG utilizes its multidisciplinary approach to advise clients on all cannabis related matters. Clients seeking regulatory advice benefit from the practice’s integrated scientific team which excels on cannabis product formulations, labelling compliance and ensure manufacturing and distribution is in accordance with legislation. Aside from regulatory work, the team is also equipped to oversee M&A and handle capital market matters and is led by Peter Simeon and Lewis Retik. Simeon, who is based in Toronto, has particular experience overseeing transactions and capital market issues. Retik, who is Ottawa based, is a key contact for regulatory advice. Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel supports the team with her extensive IP expertise.

The team at McCarthy Tétrault is well-equipped to advise international consumer packaged goods companies on global market entry strategies. Its expertise includes risk management, branding and advertising. In addition, the team often oversees regulatory matters and the execution of joint venture agreements and is co-led by both Ranjeev Dhillon and Awanish Sinha. Dhillon’s clients range from clinics, industry consultants and patient outreach platforms, to not-for-profit organisations and retailers. Sinha supports the team with his litigation expertise on cannabis related matters. Partner Lance Williams joined the practice from Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP meanwhile Danielle Bush arrived from Miller Thomson.

The team at Torys specializes in medical cannabis matters and is equipped to advise on the full spectrum of medicinal issues, including IP, commercial and regulatory issues. The practice is also known for its cross-border offering, with experts located in both its Canadian and US offices. Together, Eileen McMahon and Cheryl Reicin lead the practice. McMahon is a regulatory and IP expert in matters concerning cannabis products and accessories. In addition, she was elected by the Food and Drug Law Institute to be a keynote speaker at its conference, ‘Legal and Practical Issues in the Evolving World of Cannabis Regulation’. Reicin’s clients include the whole spectrum of life science companies, including start-ups, venture capitalists, academic medical centres and cannabis and cannabinoid-based companies.

The team at Fasken is best known for its vast regulatory knowledge in the cannabis market, catering to a client base which spans distributors, suppliers, investors, major retailers, producers and laboratories. A keystone of the practice is its work on licensing matters, which stems from the practice’s in-depth knowledge of legislative requirements, specifically in relation to provincial and municipal retail distribution. Barbara Miller leads the team, directing particular emphasis towards cannabis-related M&A, governance and corporate matters.

The practice at Smart & Biggar is a one-stop-shop for all cannabis related matters. The practice often advises clients on regulatory issues, brand protection, marketing, advertising, IP strategy, licensing and plant breeder’s rights and is led by life sciences expert, Alice Tseng; her specialisms include regulatory, marketing and advertising matters within pharmaceutical, cannabis and medical device industries.