Gordon & Rees Formalizes National Cannabis, Hemp & CBD Practice Group


August 2020

After years of growth and success, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani has elevated its diverse and experienced team into a national Cannabis, Hemp & CBD practice group. Guided by industry veterans Philip Robert Brinson, Christopher Strunk, Douglas Smurr and its 40+ highly trained attorneys, Gordon & Rees now boasts one of the largest and deepest cannabis practice groups in the country.  Its members are experts in their fields that have litigated high profile matters, published and presented nationally on a host of topics, and hold leadership positions with local, state, and national organizations, including the American Bar Association and Defense Research Institute.  

The firm’s representation includes clients across the spectrum in the United States, from nationally recognized brands to localized boutique proprietors. Whether established international conglomerates or start-up entrepreneurs engaged in harvesting, refining, distilling, extracting, dispensing, distributing, and investing in this proliferating market.  Our reach also includes providing ancillary products, services, and support for the industry. No matter your need, Gordon & Rees has experienced attorneys ready to assist you in each of the 50 States.

“Early in the growth stage of the industry, we were approached by clients for advice on acquiring real estate, forming companies, putting together business plans, and developing protocols for employment practices and license compliance for those entering the market. We recognized early on that given the legal complexities that naturally arise out of the cannabis and CBD industry, and the unique issues for compliance and enforcement of the industry across the nation, we would need to evolve ahead of our clients. To accomplish this, the attorneys in our group leveraged the size and strength of Gordon & Rees to maintain the pace and add the talent necessary,” noted Philip Robert Brinson.

The firm’s Cannabis, Hemp & CBD Practice Group includes a wide array of industry specific and cross-industry attorneys who are uniquely qualified to face the challenges and complexities of this evolving industry. This team of attorneys has their finger on the pulse of industry trends and legislative developments and also includes effective representation on the government and regulatory front including public policy initiatives at the state and municipality level.

Douglas Smurr shared, “Having worked in this sector since its checkered 'Wild West' days, finally we see cannabis, hemp, and CBD entering the legal and economic mainstream, while also basking in vast public support.  The end of federal restrictions seems to be on the horizon. Are you ready?  No matter your location in the U.S., Gordon & Rees has you covered in this complex and highly regulated industry.”

Our national platform of lawyers practice in a wide range of industries and practice areas. Gordon & Rees provides focused solutions for our cannabis, hemp, and CBD clients in:

  • Cannabis related trial and appellate litigation (federal & state)
  • Risk management and lawsuit avoidance, including preparation of warnings and product disclaimers
  • Licensing, regulations, permits and related appeals
  • Business Formation & Structuring
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Environmental
  • Employment law
  • Intellectual Property
  • Compliance with Federal & State Regulatory Agencies (FDA, FTC, EPA)
  • Governmental Relations
  • Domestic & International Investment
  • Land Use
  • Water Use
  • Pesticide, Herbicide, and Fungicide Litigation
  • Construction, Land Development and Management
  • Finance
  • Taxation
  • Insurance

“As legalization and regulation move forward at breakneck speed, participants in this industry must be prepared to confront an array of issues," said Christopher Strunk. "The specter of tort and product liability litigation is rising, and regulators are filing administrative actions for noncompliance against the unwary.  Environmental issues – including water rights, energy use, sustainability, and chemical use – must be evaluated and addressed by experienced attorneys. Only Gordon & Rees has the capability and the depth to help you succeed in all 50 states." 

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