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Cannabis

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Gowling WLG

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Lawyers in Gowling WLG’s cannabis team demonstrate ‘deep subject-matter expertise combined with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach’. The firm’s signature intellectual property offering is a key driver of work in this sphere, and it routinely represents life sciences entities — among other clients — in both regulatory and transactional matters. Toronto-based Peter Simeon fronts the transactional side of the practice and recently advised Akanda Corp on the sale of RPK, its Portuguese subsidiary, to SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals. Ottawa-based Lewis Retik leads the regulatory side and brings ’exceptional ability to translate complex regulatory language’. Also in Toronto, Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel and Jason Saltzman are noted for IP and transactional work respectively.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team at Gowling WLG has been an invaluable partner to us, particularly as we navigate the complex and evolving consultations on CBD in natural health products. What makes this practice stand out is the deep subject-matter expertise combined with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach.’

  • ‘Lawyers understand the legal and regulatory nuances, and also how those intersect with broader health product frameworks, consumer expectations, and government priorities. We have a high degree of trust in their guidance — they genuinely care about the outcome for our sector and for Canadians.’

  • ‘Lewis Retik and his team stand out for their deep knowledge, practical approach, and genuine commitment to helping clients succeed in a challenging regulatory environment. Lewis, in particular, has an exceptional ability to translate complex regulatory language into clear, actionable advice.’

  • ‘The team has leaders in multiple fields of expertise. Even the most complex issues can be overseen. Peter Simeon is not just a great lawyer, he is a business consultant.’

Key clients

  • Akanda Corp
  • BJK Holdings / HAB Cann Holdings
  • CannaClear
  • Canopy Growth Corporation
  • Cronos Group
  • Innocan Pharma Corporation
  • Khiron Life Sciences Corp
  • MichiCann Medical
  • Red White & Bloom Brands
  • SOL Global Investments Corp

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

Peter Simeon; Lewis Retik

Other key lawyers

Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel; Jason Saltzman; Sharagim Habibi

Comparative Guides