Cannabis & Industrial Hemp
Helping grow the industry from the ground-up
Since recreational cannabis was first legalized in 2012, the industry has exploded. Brownstein was there from day one in Colorado—and every step of the way after. Working across the cannabis and industrial hemp space, we’re uniquely positioned to serve the diverse array of players—from agricultural interests to manufacturers to product developers to retailers and industry groups—as they navigate the challenges faced by a once controversial industry as it becomes mainstream.
We don’t just have our finger on the pulse of the cannabis and industrial hemp markets—we’re helping to shape them, too. Our team is on the front lines of regulation, working to influence policy at the local, state and federal levels. Our strong understanding of natural resources, real estate, land use and water law enables us to support cultivators, while our long-standing history in the industry itself helps us guide the commercial endeavors of new entrants and those taking their business to the next level. With an extensive network spanning Nevada to New York and California to Colorado, we’re ready to meet clients exactly where they are—with the precise knowledge they need.
Guiding a Leading Cannabis Company Through Strategic Acquisitions
Schwazze, a Denver-based, vertically integrated cannabis company, sought to expand its footprint through strategic acquisitions. Our knowledge of and relationships in the cannabis industry since it was first legalized in Colorado coupled with our deal-making savvy made the Brownstein team the right choice for Schwazze. Making their goal a reality involved closing on $75 million worth of acquisitions in less than two months. One of the acquisitions—a large cannabis company in New Mexico with 10 dispensaries, four grows and a manufacturing facility—made Schwazze one of Colorado’s few multistate operators. As the company continues its rapid expansion throughout the region, Brownstein will be there every step of the way.
Precedent Setting Win for Cannabis Cultivation Client
Emerging industries with never seen before issues allow us to flex our problem solving capabilities. As one of the largest operational, fully-permitted cannabis farms in California, our client became the first Santa Barbara County cannabis cultivation case to end up in trial and the first outdoor cannabis cultivation CEQA case in California. Our team was trusted with this case of first impression and guided our client through five administrative appeals in front of the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors and the following trial court litigation. Ultimately, the project secured unanimous approval thanks to a comprehensive litigation defense strategy that demonstrated cannabis farms are agricultural uses and can co-exist with traditional farms, along with a public education campaign highlighting the economic benefits of sustainable, sun grown cannabis farming.
Our Team
Office Managing Partner
Office Managing Partner
CO-CHAIR – DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Areas of Focus
