Cannabis Law

Messner Reeves LLP: Comprehensive Cannabis Legal Services from Seed to Sale


The Messner Reeves cannabis business law group provides clients with comprehensive legal support across all aspects of the cannabis industry, backed by the resources and expertise of a full-service law firm. Although medical and recreational cannabis has been legalized in many states, including key markets, businesses still encounter challenges finding representation from mainstream law firms with a deep understanding of the cannabis sector. Messner Reeves is uniquely positioned to fill this gap, offering experienced guidance to cannabis-related businesses and those engaged with the industry.

Why Choose Messner Reeves for Your Cannabis Business Law Needs?

Messner Reeves’ cannabis business law attorneys combine broad industry knowledge with a nuanced understanding of regulatory, commercial, and operational challenges. Our team of highly experienced and award-winning cannabis attorneys advises business owners, property developers, investors, commercial landlords, growers, processors, dispensaries, and product innovators on a range of issues, from securing permits to optimizing corporate structures. We have extensive experience guiding clients through the ever-evolving, chaotic, often inconsistent, and constantly shifting state, local, and federal landscape governing all aspects of the cannabis industry, including hemp, marijuana, CBD, and other cannabinoids.

We offer full-service business law counsel for the cannabis industry, including government approvals, compliance, intellectual property (IP), real estate, employment law, and litigation services spanning routine disputes to high-stakes cases. Our cannabis business law attorneys have experience before the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division, the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses, and other local regulatory agencies. In addition, Messner Reeves’s cannabis attorney, Alyson Jaen, was awarded People’s Choice for Best Marijuana Lawyer by Law Week Colorado in 2023, and the firm has been short-listed for the “Lawyer Firm of the Year” Emjay Award.

Whether your needs are regulatory, transactional, or in litigation, our cannabis business practice group is equipped to provide tailored, business-focused solutions to help you succeed.

Find your Cannabis Law Attorney

Alex Beltz

Partner
Greenwood Village

Phone: 303.623.1800
Email: abeltz@messner.com

Image of Attorney Jaen

Alyson Jaen

Of Counsel
Denver

Phone: 303.454.2156
Email: ajaen@messner.com

Ben Tietgen

Benjamin Tietgen

Partner
Phoenix

Phone: 602.457.5081
Email: btietgen@messner.com

Rachel Farr

Partner
Denver

Phone: 303.623.4743
Email: rfarr@messner.com

“Seed to Sale” Services: Our Comprehensive Portfolio of Cannabis Legal Services

Our team provides “seed to sale” services to cannabis businesses of all sizes, including startups, by guiding them through the formation process. We assist with all aspects of licensing—whether retail, cultivation, or processing licenses—to help new businesses establish a strong foundation in this highly regulated sector. We also ensure companies comply with local marijuana laws and regulations, such as those in Denver, Colorado.


The Intersection of Cannabis and IP Law
Without robust intellectual property (IP) protections, cannabis businesses risk losing critical assets and may face obstacles in securing funding or expanding their brand. Various IP tools can shield cannabis companies from these risks.

Trademarks, Copyrights, Patents, and Trade Secrets

Trademarks, for instance, offer brand protection by restricting competitors from using similar names or symbols. Though federal trademark registration is limited to lawful uses, state trademarks are often available, and the 2018 Farm Bill permits federal trademarks for products with under 0.3% THC, covering ancillary items like packaging and accessories.

Copyrights protect creative content—like blogs and marketing materials—with no restrictions specific to cannabis. Patents, including plant, utility, and design patents, secure innovations from new strains to vaporizer designs, offering up to 20 years of exclusive rights. Additionally, trade secrets can safeguard proprietary formulas or customer lists, provided they remain confidential.

Given the industry’s unique regulatory landscape, an effective IP strategy is essential. Our skilled cannabis business law attorneys can help secure the comprehensive protections you need for sustainable growth and competitive advantage.


In-House General Counsel Services
At Messner Reeves LLP, we go beyond traditional legal representation by offering in-house general counsel services designed to meet the needs of small and mid-sized cannabis-related businesses. For companies requiring regular legal support but not to the extent of hiring a full-time attorney, our on-site counsel services provide an effective solution.

When you hire us for in-house general counsel, a Messner Reeves attorney will help streamline your business operations, manage legal risks, and handle essential matters. This approach combines the advantages of having experienced legal counsel on-site with the flexibility and cost-efficiency smaller businesses often seek.

The cannabis business law attorneys at Messner Reeves LLP provide industry-focused legal solutions that are responsive to the evolving cannabis landscape. Our attorneys are here to help you address every legal and business challenge that comes your way in this unique, dynamic industry. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you succeed in the cannabis sector.

Insights

New Article in mg Magazine by Of Counsel Alyson Jaen on Cannabis License Applications

Messner Reeves LLP Of Counsel Alyson Jaen recently published an article in mg Magazine titled “How to Prepare for Your Cannabis License Application Process.” In the article, Alyson digs deeper into the license application process, which is often more complicated than some potential business owners may realize. She explains that there are a few fundamental […]

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Messner Reeves LLP
1550 Wewatta St. Suite 710
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 623-1800.