Bennett Jones LLP had a hand in many of the largest cannabis deals to hit the market over the past year. In a highlight example, go-to cannabis transactional specialist Aaron Sonshine advised Cresco Labs on its $2bn acquisition of Columbia Care, which made Cresco the largest cannabis producer and retailer in the US at the time of the transaction. Toronto-based Sonshine co-heads the practice together with firm vice chair and Toronto managing partner Dominique Hussey, who specializes in advising cannabis clients on IP and regulatory matters; she notably provides ongoing regulatory advice to Canopy Growth. Other key contacts include corporate finance specialist Angela Blake, who splits her time between Toronto and Vancouver; Toronto’s Kim Lawton, who is well versed in cannabis-related capital markets and securities issues; and Toronto-based IP and life sciences partner Melissa Dimilta.
Cannabis in Canada
Bennett Jones LLP
Responsables de la pratique:
Aaron Sonshine; Dominique Hussey
Autres avocats clés:
Angela Blake; Kim Lawton; Melissa Dimilta
Principaux clients
Canopy Growth Corporation
Cantor Fitzgerald Canada Corporation
Cresco Labs
Emerald Health Therapeutics
FIGR
Glass House Brands
Greg Guyatt
Indiva
KAOS Capital
MPX International Corporation
Nation to Nation (All Nations Cannabis)
Nova Cannabis
PharmaCielo Holdings
Praesidio Health
PricewaterhouseCoopers
RedeCan Pharm
Terrascend Corp
Trichome Financial Corp, Trichome JWC Acquisition Corp, MYM Nutraceuticals, Trichome Retail Corp, MYM International Brands, and Highland Grow
VIVO Cannabis
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Cresco Labs on its $2bn acquisition of Columbia Care.
- Acted for RedeCan Pharm and 48North Cannabis Corp on their respective sales to HEXO Corp, totalling nearly $1bn.
- Represented Mr Guyatt, the Chief Financial Officer of CannTrust, as a defendant in a multi-jurisdictional class action in Canada and the US, stemming from the disclosure of unlicensed cultivation discovered by a Health Canada audit.
Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
A first-mover in the cannabis space in Canada, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP is particularly sought after for its expertise in corporate finance matters. The full-service practice also shines in M&A, joint ventures, strategic partnerships and regulatory issues, with key industry players such as Canopy Growth and TerrAscend Corp routinely turning to the firm for support. Widely recognized as a leader in his field, department head Jonathan Sherman recently advised Canopy Growth on accelerating its entry into the US cannabis market through the creation of a new special purpose vehicle, Canopy USA LLC, and connected transactions totalling C$750m. The deep bench also includes Jamie Litchen, who specializes in securities and M&A; Daniel Cipollone, who sits in the banking and speciality finance group; corporate and securities partner Tayyaba Khan; and regulatory and IP specialist Chandimal Nicholas.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jonathan Sherman
Autres avocats clés:
Jamie Litchen; Daniel Cipollone; Tayyaba Khan; Chandimal Nicholas
Principaux clients
Canopy Growth Corporation
Bruce Linton (founder and former CEO of Canopy Growth, and currently an advisor and investor in a wide range of cannabis companies)
TerrAscend Corp
Eight Capital
Boston Beer Company
JW Asset Management
Ernst & Young
Sessions Cannabis
Lowell Farms
MedMen Enterprises
Avant Brands
YourWay Cannabis Brands
StateHouse Holdings
A1 Cannabis
Entourage Effect Capital
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP’s multidisciplinary cannabis practice covers a broad range of transactional, regulatory and contentious work, with significant expertise in cross-border matters. Montreal-based corporate and commercial partner Tricia Kuhl co-heads the national group and recently advised Aphelion Real Estate on its C$11.5m acquisition of the shares and debt of 10252832 Canada (a subsidiary of Canopy Growth). Vancouver-based department co-head Kathleen Keilty is also noted for her experience in representing cannabis companies and investors on M&A and corporate finance transactions. Montreal-based associate Renée Tousignant provides support on IP, corporate, and commercial law issues.
Responsables de la pratique:
Tricia Kuhl; Kathleen Keilty
Autres avocats clés:
Renée Tousignant
Principaux clients
Rose Lifescience
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Globe-Cann. Worldwide Cannabis Consultants
Aphelion Real Estate (LB Becker Consulting)
Flower One Restructuring
Willow Biosciences
RIV Capital
Canadian Securities Exchange
L5 Capital
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Flower One Holdings, FO Labour Management and Flower One Corp on all aspects of the restructuring of Flower One.
- Advised RIV Capital on the Canadian corporate, securities and tax aspects of its acquisition of Etain.
- Provided commercial law advice to Rose Lifescience in connection with cannabis distribution, marketing and sale.
Gowling WLG
An increasingly prominent firm in the cannabis sphere, Gowling WLG added 11 new clients to its roster over the past year. Distinguished by its ability to lean on the wider firm’s signature IP offering, the team shines in regulatory and IP-related issues, with sources highlighting its ‘extraordinary level of unique regulatory knowledge’. It also houses a robust transactional practice, which recently saw Toronto-based Peter Simeon advise IM Cannabis Corp on three strategic acquisitions completed through IMC Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of IM Cannabis and IMC Pharma. Ottawa-based regulatory specialist Lewis Retik co-heads the practice alongside Simeon. Toronto-based IP partner Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel is also noted.
Responsables de la pratique:
Peter Simeon; Lewis Retik
Autres avocats clés:
Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel
Les références
‘Gowlings WLG has a very unique ability to provide quality regulatory advice in addition to providing product specific advice on cannabis in Canada. It is very difficult to find this extraordinary level of unique regulatory knowledge.’
‘Its comprehensive understanding of the ever-changing and complex cannabis regulations is truly unmatched. Whether it’s federal, provincial, or municipal regulations, Lewis Retik’s team has an in-depth grasp of the legal landscape, enabling it to navigate the intricacies of the cannabis industry with finesse.’
‘The team’s dedication to being at the forefront of regulatory changes empowers it to anticipate potential legal challenges and develop innovative strategies to address them effectively.’
Principaux clients
Khiron Life Sciences Corp
IM Cannabis Corp
Lobe Sciences
Bluma Wellness
Innocan Pharma Corporation
Red White & Bloom Brands
Canopy Growth Corporation
Aleafia Health
Truss Beverage Company
SOL Global Investments Corp
MichiCann Medical
TREC Brands
BioHarvest
Lifted Innovations
Franchise Global Health
Sierra Well
Principaux dossiers
- Advised IM Cannabis Corp on three strategic acquisitions completed through IMC Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of IM Cannabis and IMC Pharma.
- Advised Israel-based Innocan Pharma Corporation on the filing of a final short-form base shelf prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada.
- Advised Khiron Life Sciences Corp on its $4.6m public offering of units of the company.
McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault’s cross-practice cannabis group plugs into various departments across the full-service firm to provide comprehensive coverage of the sector, with notable expertise in M&A, litigation, governance and regulatory law, among others. Transactional specialist Ranjeev Dhillon is considered by many as a leader in the field; he recently paired up with Rami Chalabi, also noted for his transactional focus, to advise SNDL on its C$138m acquisition of The Valens Company. Regulatory and litigation partner Awanish Sinha co-heads the department together with Dhillon. Litigator Shane D’Souza is also a key contact. Named lawyers are based in Toronto.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ranjeev Dhillon; Awanish Sinha
Autres avocats clés:
Rami Chalabi; Shane D’Souza
Principaux clients
Inner Spirit Holdings
Truss Beverage.
Independent Retail Cannabis Collective
Huge Shops
SNDL (formerly Sundial Growers)
Aurora Cannabis
Canopy Growth Corporation
Tilray
Auxly Cannabis Group
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
TILT Holdings
TRYGG Collective Holdings
Greenhill & Co
420 Investments
Canaccord Genuity Corp
Bank of Montreal
Mintz
In a significant development, US firm Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. launched a Canadian platform in April 2023 and immediately established a formidable cannabis offering. Most notably, high-profile industry specialist Eric Foster joined from Dentons to lead the department. Additionally, life sciences expert Cheryl Reicin joined from Torys, where she formerly co-led the cannabis practice. At junior level, the group hired of counsel Matthew Imrie and associate Ellery O’Hara, who both also join from Dentons. The nascent group is well positioned to handle both transactional and regulatory matters, while its US network also marks it as a key contender for cross-border work going forward.
Responsables de la pratique:
Eric Foster
Autres avocats clés:
Cheryl Reicin; Matthew Imrie
Principaux clients
Entourage Health Corp
SLANG Worldwide
Fire & Flower Holdings Corp
POSaBIT Systems Corporation
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Fire & Flower Holdings Corp on its C$11m loan agreement with a subsidiary of Alimentation Couche-Tard and proposed amendments to its Series C warrants and corresponding private placement of common shares.
- Advised ATB Capital Markets, as agent, on Nova Cannabis’ C$20m at-the-market equity offering program.
- Advised Entourage Health Corp on its long-term cannabis supply agreement with HEXO Corp.
Torys
Torys is distinguished by its focus on the medical cannabis sphere, where sources commend its ‘specialist knowledge of the area’. Combining strength in transactional matters with broad regulatory experience, the group is equipped to handle the full life cycle of industry issues for a mix of crown organizations, blue-chip companies and start-ups. Group head Eileen McMahon chairs both the intellectual property, and the food and drug regulatory practices and contributes deep regulatory expertise; she recently paired up with the real estate group to advise Hawthorne Canada on its acquisition of its Kelowna research facility. Teresa Reguly is also noted. Former department co-head Cheryl Reicin joined Mintz.
Autres avocats clés:
Teresa Reguly
Les références
‘Great strength in depth. Led by the highly knowledgeable Eileen McMahon, the team has specialist knowledge of the area and understands the issues likely to arise.’
‘A very personable team. Lawyers have great knowledge of the issues, are accessible and on-hand to discuss with you any concerns or problems. Very good at problem-solving. Eileen McMahon and Teresa Reguly are excellent.’
Principaux clients
Field Trip Ventures
Canaccord Genuity Corp
Hawthorne Canada
Trichome Financial Corp
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Field Trip Ventures on its intellectual property strategy and other corporate matters in Canada and the US, and also on its ongoing private placement worth approximately $15m, among other issues.
- Acted for Canaccord Genuity, as the financial advisor to Acreage Holdings, on Acreage Holdings’ strategic arrangement with Canopy USA for the acquisition of all of Acreage’s Class D subordinate voting shares.
- Advised Hawthorne Canada on the acquisition of its Kelowna research facility, including real estate, regulatory, tax and Cannabis Act issues.
Aird & Berlis LLP
Aird & Berlis LLP’s robust track record in the cannabis space has seen it represent over 200 clients operating within the industry to date. With strong skill sets in both the medicinal and recreational spheres, the group routinely advises all stakeholders on cannabis matters with experience in M&A, capital markets, finance and IP-related work. Corporate and M&A specialist Richard Kimel co-chairs the group together with Sherri Altshuler, who advises on a mix of corporate, commercial and regulatory law issues. Melanie Cole is also recommended.
Responsables de la pratique:
Richard Kimel; Sherri Altshuler
Autres avocats clés:
Melanie Cole; Jeffrey Merk
Principaux clients
StateHouse
Medisun
The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings
MediPharm Labs Corp
Aleafia Health
Trees Corporation
Greenway Greenhouse Cannabis Corporation
The Tinley Beverage Company
Principaux dossiers
- Acted as Canadian counsel to StateHouse (formerly Harborside) on its acquisition of LPF JV Corporation (‘Loudpack’), a manufacturer, cultivator and distributor of cannabis brands in California.
- Advised Medisun, a licensed producer of cannabis located in Ontario, on its all-scrip merger with Australia-based Cannim Group.
- Represented The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings in its acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of BZAM Holdings.
DLA Piper (Canada) LLP
DLA Piper (Canada) LLP stands out for its international expertise, with the Canadian practice routinely teaming up with the wider firm’s US offices to handle cross-border transactions for major global cannabis players. In a recent example, Toronto-based Russel Drew acted alongside the New York group to advise Tilray Brands on its $230m acquisition of HEXO Corp. Robert Fonn spearheads a department that also counts Trulieve Cannabis Corp, Aurora Cannabis Enterprises and Ascend Wellness Holdings among its representative clients.
Responsables de la pratique:
Robert Fonn
Autres avocats clés:
Derek Sigel; Russel Drew; Denis Silva
Principaux clients
Trulieve Cannabis Corp
Tilray (and, prior to its acquisition by Tilray, Aphria)
Alternative Medical Enterprises
Canaccord Genuity Corp
Charlotte’s Web Holdings
Ascend Wellness Holdings
HEXO Corp (Previously The Hydropothecary Corporation)
Althea Group Holdings
The Flowr Corporation
Acreage Holdings
Wikileaf Technologies
Lowell Farms
Eight Capital
Avicanna
Aurora Cannabis Enterprises
Goodness Growth Holdings
Trulieve Cannabis Corp
Principaux dossiers
- Represented Tilray Brands in its acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of HEXO Corp, pursuant to a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario).
- Advised Ascend Wellness Holdings on the filing of base shelf prospectus with the US Securities and Exchange Commission and securities regulators.
- Acted as Canadian counsel to Acreage Holdings on its arrangement agreement with Canopy USA, Canopy Growth’s newly created US-domiciled holding company.
Stikeman Elliott LLP
With a marked focus on M&A and related regulatory matters, Stikeman Elliott LLP‘s multidisciplinary group additionally leans into the firm’s full-service offering to provide complementary expertise in capital markets, life sciences, licensing and marketing issues. Corporate head Jonah Mann and cannabis practice lead Donald Belovich are the key contacts on the transactional side. The team also benefits from the life sciences and healthcare expertise of Sara Zborovski, who specializes in providing regulatory and commercial advice to companies regulated by Health Canada, including cannabis clients.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jonah Mann; Donald Belovich
Autres avocats clés:
Sara Zborovski
Principaux clients
Ceres Acquisition Corp
Columbia Care
The Valens Company
Yooma Corp
Ayr Wellness
The Valens Company
ATB Capital Markets
Green Tank Technologies Corp
Curaleaf Holdings
Jushi Holdings
Goodmans LLP
Cannabis law practitioners at Goodmans LLP ‘clearly understand the changing face of the industry in North America’, according to satisfied clients. The group acts for key industry participants, including licensed producers, retailers and investment banks, on a range of M&A, capital markets and regulatory issues. Corporate partner Neil Sheehy has a robust record in cannabis transactions and co-heads the department together with Victor Liu, who specialises in M&A, corporate finance and early-stage enterprises.
Responsables de la pratique:
Victor Liu; Neil Sheehy
Les références
‘The team’s deal leads are of the highest quality and clearly understand the changing face of the industry in North America.’
‘The team helped close our acquisition of an international cannabis business with aplomb; helping us to win the bid in unusual and competitive circumstances.’
‘Neil Sheehy has the gravitas of a senior partner and the interest and energy of a more junior one — a great combination. Victor Liu is a rising star in this sector.’
Principaux clients
Cura Partners
Canopy Growth Corporation
Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation
Fire & Flower
AltaCorp Capital
Canaccord Genuity
GMP Securities
Organigram Holdings
Perfect Plants
Subversive Capital
Mercer Park
Materia Ventures
Dalton Pharma Services
Sisu Extracts (SISU)
JMCC
Echelon Wealth Partners
Cannovate
Altria Group
Medicine Man Technologies
Nova Net Lease REIT
KSV Advisory
BGP Acquisition Corp
RELM Cannabis Co
Principaux dossiers
- Advised BGP Acquisition Corp on its business combination with Craft 1861 Global, which is intended to constitute BGP’s qualifying transaction.
- Advised KSV Restructuring on MJardin Group’s ongoing restructuring proceedings.
- Advised Organigram on its C$36m acquisition of Laurentian Organic.
Smart & Biggar
Intellectual property powerhouse Smart & Biggar leverages its firm-wide focus on life sciences, regulatory law, IP strategy, and marketing and advertising to excel in representing cannabis clients on compliance and IP-related issues. As a qualified pharmacist and patent agent, Toronto-based department head Alice Tseng is highly sought after for her life sciences expertise, including cannabis-related matters. Toronto-based Graham Hood is also noted for brand protection and trademark-related work.
Responsables de la pratique:
Alice Tseng
Autres avocats clés:
Graham Hood