Dickinson Wright PLLC provides comprehensive counsel to cannabis clients operating with state-issued licenses, as well as to businesses providing goods and services to the industry. On the transactional front, the firm is trusted for M&A, financing, and private equity investments. Its regulatory offering is equally strong, spanning licensing matters, state and federal compliance, and enforcement proceedings. The firm also covers litigation, IP, and corporate issues. Ohio-based Scot Crow leads the transactions division of both the cannabis and corporate/M&A practices, drawing on his multidisciplinary capabilities to provide an ‘integrated service’ across M&A, venture capital financings, private equity investments, and divestitures. Michigan-based Benjamin Sobczak combines ’technical expertise, business acumen and practical judgment’ in complex regulatory and transactional matters across the US and Canada. Jonathan Wachs, in Washington, DC, is recommended for advising on state-specific regulations for industry applicants, operators, and stakeholders, including regulatory approvals for cannabis license transfers and changes. Former co-practice head Benton Bodamer has departed the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I find the firm professional and specifically sophisticated in cannabis.’
‘Dickinson Wright’s cannabis practice stands out because it combines deep subject-matter expertise with a highly practical, business-oriented approach. What makes the team unique is its ability to bridge complex regulatory frameworks with real-world operational needs. They anticipate issues before they become problems and are able to contextualize legal risk in a way that empowers clients rather than overwhelming them.'
'The Dickinson Wright team shows professionalism, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to understanding our business. Their collaborative approach and ability to involve the right specialists at the right time create a level of service that feels comprehensive and unified.’
'Compared with other firms we have worked with, Dickinson Wright consistently demonstrates a higher level of industry knowledge, clarity, and efficiency. Their cannabis team works seamlessly with corporate, regulatory, and litigation groups, creating a truly integrated service experience that is rare in this industry.’
‘Colin Ferguson is an extremely talented and thorough attorney whom I very much appreciate working with. I feel strongly that he has my best interests as a client taken fully into account.’
‘Ben Sobczak stands out as one of the most capable and trusted attorneys we work with, not just in cannabis, but across all legal services we engage. His combination of technical expertise, business acumen, and practical judgment is unmatched. What differentiates Ben is his ability to take incredibly complex regulatory questions and deliver clear, actionable guidance that aligns with our operational realities. He consistently provides thoughtful, strategic counsel and always makes himself available when issues arise. His communication style is direct, calm, and solution-oriented, which is invaluable in a fast-moving and often ambiguous regulatory environment.'
Key clients
- Farmaceuticalrx LLC (of Ohio)
- Seven Legendz Ohio LLC
- Collateral Base
- Trulieve Cannabis Corporation
- Zia Integrated
- Story of Maryland, LLC
- Callie's Cannabis Shoppe, LLC
- Arock Holdings, LLC
Work highlights
Represented Seven Legendz Ohio LLC in the reorganization of a state cannabis retail licensee.
Represented Trulieve and its affiliated company (Harvest Health & Recreation) in various Maryland cannabis regulatory matters.
Represented Zia Integrated, LLC in its stage 2 application for an operational cannabis processor license in Maryland.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Scot Crow
Other key lawyers
Benjamin Sobczak; Jonathan Wachs; Brandon Hubbard; Lloyd Pierre-Louis; Katherine VanderVeen; Colin Ferguson