Client Collaborations

Prepare clients for acquisition, including business structure, corporate hygiene and governance, strategic advice and positioning, and diligence efforts.

Provide strategic advice in defense of administrative violations including sale to minors, true party of interest, undue influence and unlawful practices, advertising, traceability, extraction equipment, packaging and labeling, pesticides, and other compliance violations.

Served on various rulemaking stakeholder work groups to reform Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board penalty grid as applied against cannabis licensees, to reform WSLCB's licensing practices for licensees, true parties of interest, and financiers, and to implement compliance checks and the WSLCB's compliance consultation program. Provided rulemaking comment on various open rulemaking, including original I-502 regulations.

Counseled clients on administrative actions including edibles, packaging, and labeling reform; incorporation of cannabinoids, including Delta-8 THC and CBD, terpenes, and other substances into cannabis products; traceability; quality assurance testing, pesticides, and lab accreditation; and investment practices.

Regularly work with clients to secure Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board approval of various licensing changes including change of ownership, assumption of license, change of location and operating plan, approval of management and consulting agreements, approval of intellectual property agreements, financier applications, and other regulatory compliance inquiries.

Coauthored Washington State Senate Bill 5318 to reform Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board enforcement practices. Testified in support of the bill, worked on drafts and amendments of the bill with stakeholders and state staff.

Coauthored Washington State House Bill 1794 to allow intellectual property licensing agreements in the cannabis industry. Testified in support of the bill, worked on drafts and amendments of the bill with stakeholders and state staff. Counseled clients in subsequently entering such agreements, compliance, and submission to Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.

Drafted legislation related to social equity programs, out of state ownership, and other Washington state reform efforts.

Counseled banks and credit unions on policies for accepting cannabis or cannabis-related deposits, best practices, and necessary reporting obligations.