Thomas G. Haren Provides Key Insights on Ohio’s Cannabis Industry in Crain’s Cleveland Business Articles

Frantz Ward Partner Thomas G. Haren recently contributed his insights to Crain’s Cleveland Business Cannabis Forum, authoring one article and providing insights to another, both examining Ohio’s evolving marijuana industry and legislation.

In the article titled “Don’t fix what isn’t broken; leave marijuana rules alone,” Tom examines proposed legislative changes that, while aimed to help the industry, could jeopardize the state’s successful marijuana framework. Tom argues that the bill would enact major advertising limitations, increase taxes, and work to further criminalize the budding industry. These restrictions, he warns, could create unnecessary burdens for businesses, stifle economic growth, and make it more difficult for legal operators to compete with the illicit market.

Additionally, Tom provided commentary in “Ohio’s marijuana industry set for growth but needs clarity on rules to reach potential,” discussing the anticipated growth of Ohio’s legal marijuana sector, projected to reach around $1 billion in annual sales by 2025. Tom highlights the substantial progress the industry has seen so far, as well as potential challenges ahead.

Tom represents growing businesses at each stage of their development and is regularly asked to serve as outside general counsel for his clients. He advises his clients with respect to innumerable legal issues, including regulatory compliance, corporate governance, contract negotiations, risk management, litigation, and other day-to-day business issues. As a result, Tom is one of the most sought after attorneys serving the Ohio and national cannabis industry, in which he represents licensed operators in medical and adult use markets, ancillary service providers, and companies operating in the hemp industry.