Overview
With more than 15 years of experience in the cannabis industry, Jean focuses her cannabis practice on corporate, regulatory, transactional, and litigation matters for dispensaries, growers, receivers, investors, and other industry stakeholders. She assists clients in disputes, maintaining regulatory compliance, cannabis licensing, mitigating legal risks, establishing and reorganizing their companies, and day-to-day operations.
Jean utilizes her deep and well-rounded experience, at one time representing approximately 15% of all licensed marijuana businesses in Colorado, to support industry professionals across multiple segments of the industry, such as retail marijuana, medical marijuana, CBD products, and hemp. Jean’s cannabis law experience spans both pioneering and emerging markets, equipping her to advise clients in states adopting Colorado’s regulatory model.
Prior to joining Frantz Ward, before leading an AmLaw 100 firm’s cannabis practice, Jean founded her own cannabis-focused firm in Denver.
Representative Experience
- Obtained settlement for the receivership estate and interested claimants in a matter in which she counseled a special master and second receiver throughout their investigation of first receiver for misappropriation of receivership assets in addition to potentially fraudulent actions concerning a cannabis business operation with multiple locations.
- Counseled client in expansion from a single rural marijuana dispensary to a large and successful multiregional cannabis operation, ultimately including 14 dispensary locations, three cultivation sites, and two infused-product manufacturing facilities.
- Represented buyer in litigation concerning a cannabis business transaction which resulted in the return of broker fees by the broker as they were found to have only made an introduction of the parties.
Education & Admissions
Education
- University of Denver, Sturm College of Law, J.D., 2011
- Editor, Criminal Law Review
- Executive Member, Moot Court Board
- Mediator, Student Law Office Mediation Clinic
- University of Colorado Denver, B.A., Political Science, with honors, 2009
Bar and Court Admissions
- State of Colorado
- State of North Carolina
Involvement
Professional Affiliations
- Law360 Cannabis Editorial Advisory Board, Member (2025)
- Colorado Department of Revenue Marijuana Enforcement Division Legislation Implementation Work Group, (2016 – Present)
- Colorado Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division (2012 – Present)
- Arapahoe County Bar, Member
- Colorado Women’s Bar, Member
Community Involvement
- Third Way Center
- Board Member (2020)
Awards & Honors
- Named to Super Lawyers North Carolina Rising Stars (2021 – 2022)
- Recognized by Law Week Colorado: Barrister’s Choice as “Best Marijuana Lawyer” (October 2017)
Publications
- “Governor DeWine Issues Executive Order Targeting Intoxicating Hemp Products,” (Co-Author) Frantz Ward Cannabis Law Blog (October 2025)
- “Balancing Innovation and Compliance: How Technology Is Transforming the Cannabis Industry,” (Co-Author), Reuters and Westlaw Today, (September 2025)
- “Closing the Loophole: Updates on Federal and State Attempts to Regulate Intoxicating Hemp-Derived Products,” (Co-Author), Reuters and Westlaw Today, (July 2025)
- “A Path Forward for Colo. Pot Products After Failed Safety Test,” (Co-Author), Law360, (May 2025)
- “Testing Turmoil: The Legal and Business Implications of Inconsistent Cannabis Testing Standards,” (Co-Author), Reuters and Westlaw Today, (April 2025)
- “Getting Into the Weeds on Marijuana Excise Taxes: Trends and Outliers in the Larges Markets,” (Co-Author), Reuters, (November 2024)
- “NCAA Drug Testing & Cannabinoids: A Break-up Story,” (Co-Author), Westlaw Today, (November 2024)
- “State AGs Take Action to Quell Proliferation of Intoxicating Hemp Products,” (Co-Author), Cannabis Business Times, (August 2024)
- “Key Regulatory Changes in Colorado’s Marijuana Industry – What Businesses Need to Know,” (Co-Author), Cannabis Business Times, (August 2024)
- “Rescheduling and Recreational Marijuana: Possible Step Toward National Legalization?” (Co-Author, Reuters and Westlaw Today, (July 2024)
- “Cannabis Rescheduling: A Potential Watershed Moment That Comes with Many As-Yet Unanswered Questions for the Marijuana Industry,” (Co-Author), Cannabis Business Executive, (May 2024)
- “Proposed Federal Cannabis Legislation Aimed at Providing Access to Veterans,” (Co-Author), Homeland Magazine, (March 2024)
- “Where Things Stand: A Summary of Pending Federal Cannabis Legislation,” (Co-Author), Reuters, (February 2024)
- “FOIA Exemption Questions on Redacted HHS Cannabis Letter,” (Co-Author), Law360, (January 2024)
- “Opinion: Emerging Trends and Regulatory Shifts in 2024,” (Co-Author) Marijuana Venture (December 2023)
- “How Cannabis Cos. Are Adapting in Shifting Bankruptcy Arena,” (Co-Author), Law360, (December 2023)
- “Green in a Gray Area: Lessons for Virginia Cannabis ‘Gifting’ Businesses,” (Co-Author), Virginia Lawyers Weekly, (November 2023)
- “Legislative Changes Significantly Impact Ownership and Financing of Colorado Marijuana Businesses,” (Co-Author), Colorado Bar Association Business Law (November 2016)
Presentations & Lectures
- “Anticipating a Cannabis Receivership – Questions You Should Ask Before Getting Involved,” (Panelist), Commercial Receivers Association Annual Conference, (August 2025)
- “The Differences Between Cannabis Decontamination and Remediation: Analyzing the Latest Research,” (Speaker), 13th Annual MJBizCon, (December 2024)
- “Federal Rescheduling of Cannabis,” (Speaker), Attorney General Alliance Working Group Meeting, (October 2024)
- “CANNABIS LAW: Basic Cannabis Concepts,” (Speaker), Thomson Reuters West LegalEdCenter, (September 2024)
- (Moderator), CannMed 24 Innovation & Investment Summit, (May 2024)
- “Cannabis and Psychedelics Law,” (Speaker), National Business Institute, (February 2024)
- “All the Buzz: Cannabis & Banking Series from the TPPPA,” (Presenter), Third Party Payment Processors Association (TPPPA), (2024)
- “Latest Developments in Cannabis and Implications for Payment Processors,” (Speaker), TPPPA Solving the Payments Puzzle Conference, (September 2023)
- “Marijuana Business Operations in Connecticut,” (Speaker), National Business Institute, (August 2023)
- “Cannabis Business Law: Everything You Need to Know Now!” (Speaker), National Business Institute, (December 2021)
Media Coverage
- Quoted in “Can Cryptocurrencies Solve Cannabis Business Banking Challenges?” MJBizDaily, (May 2025)
- Quoted in “Cannabis Taxes Have Not Solved Colorado’s Budget Woes,” CPR News, (December 2023)
- Mentioned in “Wake Up Call: Taylor Swift Taps Venable Lawyer for Corporate Job,” Bloomberg Law (July 2023
- Quoted in “Centennial Sues Swingers Club the Office, Alleging Zoning Code Violation,” The Denver Post, (February 2023)
- Quoted in “Who Will Be Missouri’s ‘Blind Scorer’ for Marijuana Business Licenses?” Springfield News-Leader, (July 2019)
- Quoted in “Columbia School Board Member in Running for Medical Marijuana Contract,” ABC 17 NEWS KMIZ, (July 2019)
- Quoted in “Report: Cannabis In-House Counsel Expect to Spend More to Keep Up with Market,” com Corporate Counsel, (July 2019)
- Quoted in “All Change at Cannabis Law Firm,” Cannabis Law Report (September 2016)
- Quoted in “Has Colorado Changed Its Rules for Out-of-State Marijuana Biz Investors?” The Cannabist (July 2025)
- Quoted in “Marijuana: Shop Drops Challenge to Pot-Hating Town Amid Fears of Overzealous Enforcement,” Westword (January 2015)
Representative Experience
- Obtained settlement for the receivership estate and interested claimants in a matter in which she counseled a special master and second receiver throughout their investigation of first receiver for misappropriation of receivership assets in addition to potentially fraudulent actions concerning a cannabis business operation with multiple locations.
- Counseled client in expansion from a single rural marijuana dispensary to a large and successful multiregional cannabis operation, ultimately including 14 dispensary locations, three cultivation sites, and two infused-product manufacturing facilities.
- Represented buyer in litigation concerning a cannabis business transaction which resulted in the return of broker fees by the broker as they were found to have only made an introduction of the parties.
Education & Admissions
Education
- University of Denver, Sturm College of Law, J.D., 2011
- Editor, Criminal Law Review
- Executive Member, Moot Court Board
- Mediator, Student Law Office Mediation Clinic
- University of Colorado Denver, B.A., Political Science, with honors, 2009
Bar and Court Admissions
- State of Colorado
- State of North Carolina
Involvement
Professional Affiliations
- Law360 Cannabis Editorial Advisory Board, Member (2025)
- Colorado Department of Revenue Marijuana Enforcement Division Legislation Implementation Work Group, (2016 – Present)
- Colorado Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division (2012 – Present)
- Arapahoe County Bar, Member
- Colorado Women’s Bar, Member
Community Involvement
- Third Way Center
- Board Member (2020)
Awards & Honors
- Named to Super Lawyers North Carolina Rising Stars (2021 – 2022)
- Recognized by Law Week Colorado: Barrister’s Choice as “Best Marijuana Lawyer” (October 2017)
Publications
- “Governor DeWine Issues Executive Order Targeting Intoxicating Hemp Products,” (Co-Author) Frantz Ward Cannabis Law Blog (October 2025)
- “Balancing Innovation and Compliance: How Technology Is Transforming the Cannabis Industry,” (Co-Author), Reuters and Westlaw Today, (September 2025)
- “Closing the Loophole: Updates on Federal and State Attempts to Regulate Intoxicating Hemp-Derived Products,” (Co-Author), Reuters and Westlaw Today, (July 2025)
- “A Path Forward for Colo. Pot Products After Failed Safety Test,” (Co-Author), Law360, (May 2025)
- “Testing Turmoil: The Legal and Business Implications of Inconsistent Cannabis Testing Standards,” (Co-Author), Reuters and Westlaw Today, (April 2025)
- “Getting Into the Weeds on Marijuana Excise Taxes: Trends and Outliers in the Larges Markets,” (Co-Author), Reuters, (November 2024)
- “NCAA Drug Testing & Cannabinoids: A Break-up Story,” (Co-Author), Westlaw Today, (November 2024)
- “State AGs Take Action to Quell Proliferation of Intoxicating Hemp Products,” (Co-Author), Cannabis Business Times, (August 2024)
- “Key Regulatory Changes in Colorado’s Marijuana Industry – What Businesses Need to Know,” (Co-Author), Cannabis Business Times, (August 2024)
- “Rescheduling and Recreational Marijuana: Possible Step Toward National Legalization?” (Co-Author, Reuters and Westlaw Today, (July 2024)
- “Cannabis Rescheduling: A Potential Watershed Moment That Comes with Many As-Yet Unanswered Questions for the Marijuana Industry,” (Co-Author), Cannabis Business Executive, (May 2024)
- “Proposed Federal Cannabis Legislation Aimed at Providing Access to Veterans,” (Co-Author), Homeland Magazine, (March 2024)
- “Where Things Stand: A Summary of Pending Federal Cannabis Legislation,” (Co-Author), Reuters, (February 2024)
- “FOIA Exemption Questions on Redacted HHS Cannabis Letter,” (Co-Author), Law360, (January 2024)
- “Opinion: Emerging Trends and Regulatory Shifts in 2024,” (Co-Author) Marijuana Venture (December 2023)
- “How Cannabis Cos. Are Adapting in Shifting Bankruptcy Arena,” (Co-Author), Law360, (December 2023)
- “Green in a Gray Area: Lessons for Virginia Cannabis ‘Gifting’ Businesses,” (Co-Author), Virginia Lawyers Weekly, (November 2023)
- “Legislative Changes Significantly Impact Ownership and Financing of Colorado Marijuana Businesses,” (Co-Author), Colorado Bar Association Business Law (November 2016)
Presentations & Lectures
- “Anticipating a Cannabis Receivership – Questions You Should Ask Before Getting Involved,” (Panelist), Commercial Receivers Association Annual Conference, (August 2025)
- “The Differences Between Cannabis Decontamination and Remediation: Analyzing the Latest Research,” (Speaker), 13th Annual MJBizCon, (December 2024)
- “Federal Rescheduling of Cannabis,” (Speaker), Attorney General Alliance Working Group Meeting, (October 2024)
- “CANNABIS LAW: Basic Cannabis Concepts,” (Speaker), Thomson Reuters West LegalEdCenter, (September 2024)
- (Moderator), CannMed 24 Innovation & Investment Summit, (May 2024)
- “Cannabis and Psychedelics Law,” (Speaker), National Business Institute, (February 2024)
- “All the Buzz: Cannabis & Banking Series from the TPPPA,” (Presenter), Third Party Payment Processors Association (TPPPA), (2024)
- “Latest Developments in Cannabis and Implications for Payment Processors,” (Speaker), TPPPA Solving the Payments Puzzle Conference, (September 2023)
- “Marijuana Business Operations in Connecticut,” (Speaker), National Business Institute, (August 2023)
- “Cannabis Business Law: Everything You Need to Know Now!” (Speaker), National Business Institute, (December 2021)
Media Coverage
- Quoted in “Can Cryptocurrencies Solve Cannabis Business Banking Challenges?” MJBizDaily, (May 2025)
- Quoted in “Cannabis Taxes Have Not Solved Colorado’s Budget Woes,” CPR News, (December 2023)
- Mentioned in “Wake Up Call: Taylor Swift Taps Venable Lawyer for Corporate Job,” Bloomberg Law (July 2023
- Quoted in “Centennial Sues Swingers Club the Office, Alleging Zoning Code Violation,” The Denver Post, (February 2023)
- Quoted in “Who Will Be Missouri’s ‘Blind Scorer’ for Marijuana Business Licenses?” Springfield News-Leader, (July 2019)
- Quoted in “Columbia School Board Member in Running for Medical Marijuana Contract,” ABC 17 NEWS KMIZ, (July 2019)
- Quoted in “Report: Cannabis In-House Counsel Expect to Spend More to Keep Up with Market,” com Corporate Counsel, (July 2019)
- Quoted in “All Change at Cannabis Law Firm,” Cannabis Law Report (September 2016)
- Quoted in “Has Colorado Changed Its Rules for Out-of-State Marijuana Biz Investors?” The Cannabist (July 2025)
- Quoted in “Marijuana: Shop Drops Challenge to Pot-Hating Town Amid Fears of Overzealous Enforcement,” Westword (January 2015)
