An Overview of the First and Latest Recreational Cannabis States: What to Learn and What’s Next

In the 13 years since Colorado legalized recreational cannabis, the industry has exploded in multiple states across the country. With Ohio as the latest to open its doors to the cannabis industry, Frantz Ward Of Counsel Mia Garcia and Partners Thomas Haren and Keenan Jones examine Colorado’s established cannabis industry and look forward to the expanding industry in Ohio.

Listen to the episode here.

With a focus on complex regulatory frameworks, Mia advises clients on navigating the nuances of cannabis regulation, licensing, and operational issues. She represents operators in the medical and adult-use cannabis markets and in the hemp industry, supporting license acquisition, regulatory dispute resolution, zoning and municipal law, and mergers and acquisitions.

Tom represents licensed operators and ancillary service providers, advising cannabis clients on issues including license acquisition, corporate transactions, litigation, day-to-day business matters, strategic planning, municipal law, and regulatory compliance. He has led some of the largest M&A deals in the Ohio cannabis market, representing both the selling license holders and acquiring entities.

Keenan represents businesses of all sizes in litigation matters, corporate formation, business development, and protection of intellectual property rights. Since 2017, he has focused his practice on assisting companies operating in the regulated cannabis space, including hemp, marijuana, and ancillary endeavors.