Overview
Operating in the cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) industry means managing a full suite of business priorities while navigating a thicket of evolving state and federal regulations. From shifting federal enforcement priorities to fragmented state and local regulations, every business move requires careful coordination across disciplines.
At Manatt, we help clients operate with clarity and confidence by integrating sophisticated legal guidance with practical business strategy. Our clients include dispensaries, manufacturers, testing labs, digital platforms, private equity and venture funds, wellness brands, health care companies and entertainment professionals.
“They are informed practitioners with deep knowledge of cannabis laws and regulations . . . The firm's multi-disciplinary approach also covers key industry concerns such as real estate acquisition, regulatory compliance and tax law.”— Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business
Manatt was an early mover in the cannabis space, and our experience spans the full arc of industry development. We represent startups and Fortune 500 companies alike, advising on operations, expansion, litigation and public policy. Our team combines lawyers, consultants and former regulators with deep experience in:
- Corporate structuring and finance
- Litigation and dispute resolution
- Regulatory compliance
- Government relations and regulatory strategy
- Banking and financial compliance
- Land use and real estate
- Labor and employment
- Intellectual property and marketing
This multidisciplinary foundation allows us to craft strategies that align legal, operational and reputational priorities, all of which are essential in an industry under heightened scrutiny.
Licensing, compliance and policy
We secure licenses, conduct compliance audits and develop regulatory engagement strategies. Our team closely tracks developments at the federal, state and local levels, helping clients anticipate changes and avoid surprises.
Capital strategy and corporate transactions
Manatt advises on private placements, mergers and acquisitions, restructurings and joint ventures. We help position companies for growth while accounting for industry-specific hurdles, including ownership restrictions and due diligence complexity.
Dispute resolution and risk mitigation
From licensing disputes to employment and contract litigation, our lawyers bring deep experience in resolving cannabis-related conflicts efficiently. We partner with our regulatory teams to ensure disputes are resolved with an eye toward long-term business health.
Facilities, zoning and site development
Cannabis companies must navigate a unique intersection of real estate, licensing and land use. We support all phases of site development, including acquisitions, leasing, zoning entitlements and regulatory approvals for dispensaries, cultivation sites and testing labs.
Advertising, branding and IP protection
Manatt advises on celebrity licensing, influencer marketing and digital campaigns, ensuring compliance with Federal Trade Commission and Food and Drug Administration standards. Our Intellectual Property team helps protect cannabis brands in a fragmented regulatory landscape, covering trademarks, copyrights and rights of publicity.
We don’t just respond to the rules—we help write them. Manatt has played a central role in shaping cannabis policy in California and beyond, from drafting the 2016 Adult Use initiative to advising on cannabis banking legislation. We remain active in policy circles and academic institutions to help clients stay ahead of change.
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