Husch Blackwell LLP provides a full-service offering across the marijuana and hemp industries, covering regulatory and transactional work, as well as corporate matters, litigation, tax, and IP. Based in Denver, practice heads Steven Levine and Marshall Custer are renowned for their ‘deep’ experience in providing ’thoughtful, practical’ advice to multi-state cannabis clients operating in or entering the market. Also based in Denver, Megan Beebe and Lindy Martinez handle the full range of commercial transactions - including financing and M&A - contractual agreements, and corporate formation and governance. Oakland-based Alyssa Samuel is recognized for going ‘above and beyond’ in corporate structuring, fundraising, M&A, and regulatory matters, with particular expertise in guiding early-stage companies. Hilary Bricken is no longer at the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘What makes this practice stand out is how knowledgeable and approachable the team is, and how genuinely invested they are in their clients’ success. The attorneys take the time to really understand the situation, explain options clearly, and offer practical advice rather than overcomplicating things. Compared to other firms, the team is more responsive, collaborative, and efficient, with senior attorneys staying actively involved instead of passing matters off.’
‘Extremely thorough, very available, collaborative in approach.’
‘Marshall Custer and Steven Levine truly stand out because it’s clear they always have my best interests front and center. Their advice is thoughtful, practical, and consistently on point, and it comes from a genuine concern for my business and choosing the best possible path forward. What really sets them apart from others is how accurate their guidance is, which speaks to their deep industry knowledge and overall experience.'
'I value how honest and direct they are, how well they understand the bigger picture, and how much trust they inspire. Working with them feels less like dealing with outside counsel and more like having seasoned advisors who truly know the business and consistently get it right.’
‘Alyssa Samuel goes above and beyond. She is always available, dives deep and does the work, and has credibility in domain as well as in actions.'
- 'The cannabis industry presents a uniquely complex legal environment, marked by fragmented and evolving state regulations, an uncertain federal landscape, a wide mix of sophisticated multistate operators and smaller local businesses, and the absence of access to federal bankruptcy protections. In this context, our work with the Husch Blackwell cannabis team has been consistently strong and highly effective.'
- 'Brent Salmons brings deep industry knowledge and practical deal experience that distinguishes him from competitors. He leads a team that delivers high-quality legal work without over-lawyering transactions, allowing deals to move forward efficiently while ensuring risks are appropriately managed. Importantly, Brent understands the commercial realities of the cannabis business, respects client decision-making, and does not impede business objectives in pursuit of unnecessary legal formality, particularly in the emerging cannabis restructuring space.'
- 'Michael Brandess has proven to be exceptional. He is an outstanding advocate and a creative strategist, consistently drawing on the firm’s broader practice strengths when needed while remaining mindful of cost efficiency. Across multiple complex restructurings in five states, he has demonstrated innovation, adaptability, and sound judgment, with no material concerns regarding service or strategy.'
- 'The team has a broad set of skills and acumen.'
- 'Steve Levine is capable of managing and processing a wide variety of issues and industries. This diverse thinking is very valuable, especially for an emerging company.'
Key clients
- NR ParentCo, LLC d/b/a Native Roots
- StayCon, LLC (Craft Concentrates)
- Magic Cactus
- Key Investment Partners
- SLCC, LLC
- Future Works
- Clear Cannabis, Inc.
- LivWell Enlightened Health
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Steve Levine; Marshall Custer
Other key lawyers
Alyssa Samuel; Megan Beebe; Brent Salmons; Michael Brandess; Lindy Martinez