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Cannabis Law

  • Download PDF
  • Key Contacts
  • Recent Experience
  • Recent Recognition
  • Insights, News & Events
  • Download PDF
  • Recent Experience
  • Recent Recognition
  • Insights, News & Events

Bennett Jones’ Cannabis group consists of a team of dedicated legal professionals based mainly in Toronto with expertise spread throughout our additional offices in Canada. We are focused on providing services and expertise designed to enhance the prospects of our cannabis clients. We deliver high-quality legal services with an entrepreneurial approach.

What Clients Say

A prime-mover in the cannabis space, Bennett Jones LLP’s focus on building a full-service offering has paid dividends, and the firm houses a well-rounded industry group.

While the Cannabis group offers the intimacy and responsiveness of a boutique firm, we also draw on the resources of Bennett Jones’ approximately 400 lawyers and legal professionals for their experience in the broad range of legal matters that are relevant to our clients.

We develop and maintain stable, long-term relationships between each client and one of our lawyers who acts as a single point of contact. The contact person will introduce and coordinate other Bennett Jones lawyers in any specialty disciplines needed.

The cannabis industry is characterized by collaboration and networks. As originating participants in the space, we have developed an extensive network of contacts in Canada and beyond, and we make these contacts available to our clients. Our network includes financing sources (angel, venture capital, private equity and strategic investors, investment banks and commercial banks), government agencies (Health Canada, Canadian securities commissions and Food Inspection Agency), industry consultants (security experts, technology providers and technical advisors) and professionals in related fields (accountants, lawyers, recruiters, marketing and business development experts, and investor and public relations consultants). These are people with whom we have worked over many years and whom we recommend with confidence.

Our practice group has worked with hundreds of cannabis businesses since the space’s inception. We deliver that experience to every client by recommending best practices and helping them to avoid costly mistakes with customized advice. There is no substitute for the experience of having seen particular approaches succeed or fail.

Our Business Approach

We strive to be thought leaders in the cannabis industry and, to this end, we regularly publish articles and thought-pieces regarding topical conversation points and deliver presentations regarding topics of interest at conferences.

We represent and assist clients that are involved in all facets of the cannabis industry as this approach allows us to broker strategic introductions for our clients.  We believe this holistic approach allows us to offer both legal and business expertise and truly assume the role of trusted business partner and advisor to our cannabis clients.

Key Contacts

  • Angela  Blake Angela Blake, Partner
  • Dominique T. Hussey Dominique T. Hussey, Vice Chair and Toronto Managing Partner
  • Aaron E. Sonshine Aaron E. Sonshine, Partner
  • Jon C. Truswell Jon C. Truswell, Partner
  • Related Lawyers

Recent Experience

Cresco Labs Inc., in its acquisition of Tryke Companies, including the Reef Dispensary Portfolio, for US$252.5 million for Tryke operating assets plus US$30 million for Tryke real estate assets.
Cresco Labs Inc., in a public offering of 7,350,000 units at a price per unit of $10.00 for gross proceeds of $73,500,000.
Emerald Health Therapeutics, Inc., in an at-the-market equity offering for the sale of up to $39 million of common shares pursuant to an equity distribution agreement with GMP Securities L.P.
48North Cannabis Corp., in its bought-deal short-form prospectus offering of units for gross proceeds of $28.75 million.
Cresco Labs, in its $1.1-billion acquisition of Origin House, the largest public company acquisition in the history of the U.S. cannabis sector.
Cannabis Wheaton Income Corp., in its strategic alliance agreement with Honest Inc. (d/b/a Province Brands of Canada).
GrowForce Holdings Inc., in its acquisition of WILL Cannabis.

Cannabis Wheaton Income Corp., in the acquisition of Robinson's Cannabis Incorporated valued at $14,000,000.
Canaccord Genuity Corp., as sole agent and sole bookrunner, in the brokered private placement of convertible debentures of Central Coast Agriculture, Inc. for aggregate gross proceeds of up to US$25 million.
A syndicate of agents, led by Canaccord Genuity Corp., in the brokered private placement of convertible debentures of CLS Holdings USA, Inc. for aggregate gross proceeds of up to US$20 million.
Emerald Health Therapeutics, in various privacy and IT-related advice.
Alliance One International, Inc., in its acquisition of Canada’s Island Garden.
Baker Technologies, Inc., in its business combination with Sante Veritas Holdings and others.
Act for cannabis retailers - Alcanna Inc. (the Nova Cannabis stories in Alberta).
Emerald Health Therapeutics, Inc., in its prospectus offering of common shares to a single institutional investor for gross proceeds of $10.8 million.
Lead investor in MedMen Enterprises' IPO round of financing.
Lead investor in Cura Partners Inc./Cura Cannabis Solutions' private round of financing.
Endless Sky Inc., in its non-brokered private placement of $2,131,690.00 of units.
Canaccord Genuity Corp., as sole agent and sole bookrunner, in the brokered private placement of special warrants of CLS Holdings USA, Inc. for aggregate gross proceeds of $13 million.
A syndicate of agents, led by Canaccord Genuity Corp., in the brokered private placement of units of LiveWell Foods Canada Inc. for aggregate gross proceeds of $10 million.
PlantExt Ltd., in corporate, regulatory and IP matter related to Hebrew University, Agricultural Research Organization and ongoing corporate and financing needs.
Cresco Labs LLC, in its $2.2-billion reverse takeover transaction and public listing on the Canadian Securities Exchange.
48North Cannabis Corp., in its supply agreement with, and ultimate acquisition of, Good & Green.
FSD Pharma Inc., in its acquisition of Israel clinical pharma Therapix Bioscience Ltd.
VIVO Cannabis Inc. (formerly ABcann Global Corporation), in its $133-million acquisition of Canna Farms.
Emerald Health acquires Québec-based Licensed Producer Agro-Biotech.
FV Pharma Inc.  
Amalgamation with Century Financial Capital Group
48North Cannabis Corp. 
Go-public transaction with Kramer Capital Corp.

Recent Recognition

Chambers Canada
Ranked, Cannabis Law - Nationwide
The Legal 500 Canada
Ranked Tier 1, Cannabis

Insights, News & Events

Announcements

Bennett Jones: Tier 1 Practices and Leading Lawyers in Legal 500

November 19, 2020
       

Articles

Angela Blake and Gavin Finlayson on Corporate Restructuring in the Cannabis Space

November 02, 2020
       

Announcements

Bennett Jones is Recognized in Chambers Canada 2021

September 10, 2020
       

Articles

Sara Parchello and Archana Ravichandradeva in Cannabis Retailer

September 10, 2020
       

Announcements

21 Bennett Jones Lawyers in Lexpert's Agribusiness and Cannabis 2020

June 11, 2020
       

In the News

Rob McDonald in Lexpert: From (Digital) Field to Plate

June 11, 2020
       

Blog

Nova Scotia Court of Appeal De-Certifies Adverse Health and Unjust Enrichment Claims against Licensed Cannabis Producer

May 28, 2020
       

Speaking Engagements

What’s Involved in a Corporate Restructuring in the Cannabis Space?

May 28, 2020
       

Blog

Health Canada Provides Update to Cannabis Licence Holders on Temporary COVID-19 Relief Measures

May 08, 2020
       

In the News

Aaron Sonshine on the Cannabis and Alcohol Industries in Business Insider

January 30, 2020
       

Blog

Navigating Uncertainty: Restructuring and Insolvency in the Cannabis Sector

January 13, 2020
       

Blog

Securities Regulators Provide Guidance to Improve Transparency for Reporting Issuers in the Cannabis Industry, Providing Lessons for All

December 16, 2019
       

In the News

Aaron Sonshine in Lexpert on Cannabis: One Year Later

November 19, 2019
       

Announcements

Bennett Jones is Top-Tier in The Legal 500

November 18, 2019
       

Blog

The Balance of Convenience in Judicial Review Applications—A Lesson in the Cannabis Space

November 07, 2019
       

In the News

Anne McLellan on Canada's First Year of Cannabis Legalization

October 20, 2019
       

In the News

Aaron Sonshine on Cannabis 2.0 in Canada

October 17, 2019
       

Speaking Engagements

Anne McLellan at Canadian Grown: The 2020 Cannabis Public Policy Conference

October 16, 2019
       

In the News

Cross-Border Finance and Commerce in Cannabis

October 04, 2019
       

Blog

FTC Crackdown on Health Claims for CBD Products and the Canadian Side of the Story

September 19, 2019
       

In the News

Ruth Promislow on Preparing for Cyberattacks in the Cannabis Industry

September 17, 2019
       

Speaking Engagements

Angela Blake on Social Media, Cannabis and Advertising

June 07, 2019
       

Speaking Engagements

Ruth Promislow on Privacy and Data Protection in the Cannabis Industry Panel

June 07, 2019
       

Articles

Inability to Measure Cannabis Impairment Justifies Zero-Tolerance Policy

April 2019
       

Blog

Inability to Measure Cannabis Impairment Justifies Zero-Tolerance Policy

March 06, 2019
       

Blog

Health Canada Guidance on Cannabis Recalls

February 14, 2019
       

Guides

Cannabis IPO Checklist

February 12, 2019
       

Articles

Cannabis in the Workplace

November 26, 2018
       

Speaking Engagements

2018 Bennett Jones Employment Symposium - Cannabis - Second Session

November 21, 2018
       

Blog

B.C. Privacy Commissioner Issues Guidance Regarding Cannabis Transactions

November 07, 2018
       

Speaking Engagements

2018 Bennett Jones Employment Symposium - Cannabis in the Workplace

October 31, 2018
       

Speaking Engagements

Anne McLellan at World Cannabis Congress 2018

June 10, 2018
       

Articles

CSA issues revised staff notice issuers with US marijuana-related activities

June 06, 2018
       

Speaking Engagements

Cannabis Canada Forum Edmonton

April 13-14, 2018
       

In the News

Aaron Sonshine in Ottawa Citizen on Cannabis Branding

April 03, 2018
       

Updates

Securities Commissions Provide Guidance on New Takeover Rules in Hostile Cannabis Bid

March 29, 2018
       

In the News

Anne McLellan on Cannabis Legalization in Civilized

March 08, 2018
       

Speaking Engagements

Cannabis in Canada 2018 & Beyond

March 08, 2018
       

Speaking Engagements

Cannabis Canada Forum Calgary

March 02, 2018
       

Speaking Engagements

Cannabis in the Workplace: A Primer for Employers

February 28, 2018
       

Blog

CSA Issues Revised Staff Notice Issuers with U.S. Marijuana-Related Activities

February 14, 2018
       

Blog

Canada 2018 Cannabis Regulation: P.E.I. Releases New Details

January 18, 2018
       

Blog

Canada 2018 Cannabis Regulation - Provincial Update

January 15, 2018
       

Announcements

Bennett Jones Featured in The American Lawyer: Cannabis in Canada

November 15, 2017
       

Blog

Ontario Becomes First Province to Introduce Cannabis Legislation

November 07, 2017
       

Blog

New Guidance Provided for Issuers with U.S. Marijuana-Related Activities

October 20, 2017
       

Blog

Bennett Jones and Global Public Affairs Host Round Table on the State of Canadian Politics on Cannabis

October 12, 2017
       

Blog

Alberta Releases Proposed Cannabis Framework

October 06, 2017
       

Blog

Standing Committee on Health Amends Cannabis Act to Include Edibles and Concentrates

October 05, 2017
       

In the News

The Lawyer's Daily on Anne McLellan: Committee Hearings on Bill C45

September 12, 2017
       

Blog

Ontario Provincial Government Announces Recreational Cannabis Retail and Distribution Framework

September 11, 2017
       

In the News

Anne McLellan on CTV's Power Play on the Cannabis Act

September 11, 2017
       

In the News

Anne McLellan and the Bold New World of Cannabis in Canada

July 15, 2017
       

In the News

Anne McLellan Shares Canadian Insights on Cannabis in New Zealand

July 05, 2017
       

In the News

Anne McLellan on Cannabis Legalization in New Zealand

July 04, 2017
       

Blog

Cannabis Legalization and Regulation: What to Expect in Canada and British Columbia

June 28, 2017
       

Speaking Engagements

Cannabis Legalization and Regulation: What to Expect in Canada and British Columbia

June 20, 2017
       

In the News

Hugo Alves and Aaron Sonshine in Canadian Press on Investing in U.S. Cannabis Sector

June 12, 2017
       

Blog

Four Key Takeaways from the Lift Cannabis Expo

June 07, 2017
       

In the News

Anne McLellan on Cannabis, Canada and International Treaties

May 19, 2017
       

In the News

Anne McLellan in The Record on Cannabis Legalization

May 09, 2017
       

In the News

Anne McLellan in Canadian Press on Cannabis Legalization

April 25, 2017
       

Articles

Reconciling Canada's Legalization of Non-Medical Cannabis with the UN Drug Control Treaties

April 2017
       

In the News

Anne McLellan in Globe and Mail on Medical Marijuana

March 23, 2017
       

Blog

Task Force Report: International Trade Law Implications of Legalization

March 07, 2017
       

Blog

Court Reminds Arbitrators and Employers: Proper Investigation of Employee Medical Marijuana Use is a High Priority

January 19, 2017
       

In the News

Anne McLellan in Globe and Mail on Marijuana Legalization

November 28, 2016
       

Blog

Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) 101: Patients

September 12, 2016
       

Publications Section

Applicability of GST on Medical Marijuana Obtained under the MMPR

July 26, 2016
       

Speaking Engagements

Canadian Cannabis Business Conference

May 26-27, 2016
       

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