
Cannabis
- Overview
- Who To Contact
- Representative Matters
- Recent Developments
Aird & Berlis provides a full range of legal services to participants in the cannabis industry. We are proud to be recognized as a leader in the cannabis sector by Chambers Canada, The Legal 500 Canada, The Best Lawyers in Canada and Lexpert.
Aird & Berlis is actively working with clients engaged in the medicinal and recreational markets in Canada and abroad. We have substantial experience serving producers, distributors, healthcare organizations and other innovative cannabis industry participants. Whether you are in the research and development stages of business or focused on growth and expansion, we can address all of your legal needs.
The cannabis sector is governed by a maze of complex and evolving regulations. In the face of this, our team of experienced lawyers and patent agents provides a solid platform to position our clients for growth. We advise clients on compliance with Canadian regulations related to retail, distribution, licensing and workplace matters.
Our knowledge and expertise in capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, banking, lending, venture finance, corporate governance, tax, corporate structuring, restructuring, marketing and advertising, intellectual property, technology, litigation, employment and real estate enable us to provide our clients with the legal services needed to succeed in Canada’s cannabis industry.
With extensive capital markets expertise, we help clients take their business to the next level by assisting with financing and go-public transactions, including initial public offerings, reverse takeovers and qualifying transactions, as well as resulting listings on the TSX, TSXV, CSE and NASDAQ.
Aird & Berlis has substantial cross-border transaction and structuring experience. We advise clients on global opportunities in both established and emerging markets. We took the first South American recreational producer public in Canada through a brokered private placement and subsequent qualifying transaction. We are currently involved with several go-public deals for companies involved in the U.S., Canadian and international cannabis industries.
When companies in the cannabis sector face challenging circumstances, our professionals can advise on opportunities for financing and restructuring. We have broad experience in providing practical legal advice to clients in distressed situations. We can help clients recognize potential challenges early and identify proactive solutions to create the best result possible for a company and its stakeholders.
Our lawyers and patent agents are active in the cannabis sector, frequently writing and presenting on emerging issues and legislative developments affecting our clients. The firm has sponsored, and members of the Cannabis Group have presented at, industry events such as the O’Cannabiz Conference and Expo, the National Cannabis Bar Association Conference, the Grow Up Cannabis Conference, the Lift Cannabis Business Conference and Expo (Toronto and Vancouver) and the MJBizCon International.
- Mergers and Acquisitions in the Canadian Cannabis Sector
- TSX, TSXV and CSA Clarify Their Positions on Listed Entities with Ties to U.S. Marijuana Market
- Growing Your ‘Cannabusiness’: From Seeds to the Stock Exchange
- The Ontario Cannabis Control Act and Implications for Commercial Landlords
- How to Thrive in the Canadian Cannabis Retail Market
- Compliance and Liability in the Era of Cannabis Legalization: Tips, Traps and Strategies for Employers
- Cannabis Promotion: Seller Beware
- Acquiring Cannabis Genetics Under the New Cannabis Regime
- Protecting Your Intellectual Property During the Cannabis Boom
Contacts
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BioFull bio
Sherri earns the trust of her clients by adeptly managing complex and time-sensitive corporate finance transactions and by providing relevant, busines...
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BioFull bio
Richard is a creative and results-driven corporate finance lawyer. Both domestically and internationally, Richard brings his business knowledge to th...
Group Members
Representative Matters
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MediPharm Labs Corp. Completes Acquisition of VIVO Cannabis Inc.
In December 2022, MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX:LABS) (“MediPharm”) and VIVO Cannabis Inc. (TSX:VIVO) (“VIVO”), two global leaders in the medical wellness cannabis industry, entered into a definitive arra... -
The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. Closes Marketed Public Offering of Units
The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (CSE:TGOD), completed a marketed public offering 12,707,500 units of the company (“Units”), at a price of $0.40 per Unit. -
The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. Completes Acquisition of BZAM Holdings Inc.
The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (TGOD), a sustainable Canadian cannabis company and producer of premium, organically grown cannabis, completed the acquisition of BZAM Holdings Inc., a private... -
Aleafia Health Completes Debenture Amendment Transaction and Private Placement
On June 27, 2022, Aleafia Health Inc. (TSX: AH, OTCQX: ALEAF), a vertically integrated and federally licensed Canadian cannabis company, closed its amendment of its unsecured convertible debentures an... -
Harborside Inc. Completes Acquisition of Loudpack
On April 4, Harborside Inc., a California-focused, vertically-integrated cannabis enterprise, completed the acquisition of LPF JV Corporation, a leading manufacturer, cultivator and distributor of awa... -
Harborside Inc. Completes Acquisition of Urbn Leaf
On March 1, 2022, Harborside Inc. (CSE: HBOR) (OTCQX: HBORF), a California-focused, vertically-integrated cannabis enterprise, completed the acquisition of UL Holdings Inc., a leading California canna... -
Trees Corporation Completes Go Public Transaction
On December 23, 2021, Trees Corporation, an independent retail cannabis operator, and 1287406 B.C. Ltd., a reporting issuer under the securities laws of the jurisdictions of Alberta and British Columb... -
Nextleaf Solutions Ltd. Closes Best Efforts Equity Financing
On December 21, 2021, Nextleaf Solutions Ltd., a federally regulated producer of cannabis oil that distributes cannabis vapes and oils under its prohibition-era brand, Glacial GoldTM, completed a mark... -
Greenway Greenhouse Cannabis Corporation Commences Trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange
On September 21, Greenway Greenhouse Cannabis Corporation commenced trading of its common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol “GWAY”. -
CSC Cannabis Stores Approved for Ontario Cannabis License
CSC Cannabis Stores has been approved for a Cannabis license in Ontario.
Recent Developments
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Article
In re: The Hacienda Company, LLC – The Budding Change in U.S. Bankruptcy Law Starts to Flower
While gaining recognition of Canadian insolvency proceedings south of the border used to be wishful thinking for an insolvent Canadian entity having involvement in the cannabis industry, such proceedi... -
Firm News
Aird & Berlis Recognized in The Legal 500 Canada 2024
Aird & Berlis is proud to be recognized by The Legal 500 Canada as a leading firm across 12 different practice areas. -
Firm News
Aird & Berlis Named One of Canada’s Best Law Firms 2024 by The Globe and Mail
Aird & Berlis is pleased to announce its inclusion in The Globe and Mail’s Canada’s Best Law Firms 2024 list. For a third year, The Globe and Mail's Report on Business magazine partnered with Statista... -
Firm News
2023 Edition of Doing Business in Canada Now Available!
Aird & Berlis is pleased to present the 2023 edition of Doing Business in Canada. This publication was developed to provide a general overview of Canadian federal and Ontario law, and is intended for ... -
Firm News
Aird & Berlis Recognized in Chambers Canada 2024
Aird & Berlis is pleased to announce its inclusion in the 2024 edition of the Chambers Canada Legal Guide. The firm was recognized as a leader across eight different practice areas. 27 of the firm’s l... -
Article
BioSteel Files for Creditor Protection: Will the Budding Change in U.S. Bankruptcy Law Bloom?
A recent Canadian insolvency filing could provide insight into how U.S. courts will approach Chapter 15 applications from foreign cannabis-related entities. -
Firm News
91 Aird & Berlis Lawyers Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2024
Aird & Berlis is proud to announce that 91 members of the firm were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada. The firm is recognized across 44 practice ... -
Article
In re: The Hacienda Company, LLC – A Budding Change in Bankruptcy Law for Cannabis Companies?
There may be hope on the horizon for insolvent Canadian cannabis companies who wish to seek recognition proceedings south of the border. -
Article
Quebec Court Dismisses Proposed Class Action Against Cannabis Company
The decision demonstrates that courts will look deeper than simply pointing to a negative news release and corresponding stock price drop to demonstrate reasonable probability of success for leave to ... -
Firm News
Aird & Berlis Welcomes Nine New Partners
Aird & Berlis is pleased to announce that Meaghan Barrett, Jacob Brown, Holly Cunliffe, Alex Kagan, Amy Marcen-Gaudaur, Dasha Peregoudova, Stefan Radovanovich, Russell Sanders and Leah Silber have bec... -
Firm News
Aird & Berlis Named One of Canada’s Best Law Firms 2023 by The Globe and Mail
Aird & Berlis is pleased to announce its inclusion in The Globe and Mail’s Canada’s Best Law Firms 2023 list. For a second year, The Globe and Mail's Report on Business magazine partnered with Statist... -
News Item
2022 Edition of Doing Business in Canada Now Available!
Aird & Berlis is pleased to present the 2022 edition of Doing Business in Canada. This publication was developed to provide a general overview of Canadian federal and Ontario law, and is intended for ... -
Firm News
Aird & Berlis Recognized in Chambers Canada 2023
Aird & Berlis is pleased to announce its inclusion in the 2023 edition of the Chambers Canada Legal Guide. The firm was recognized as a leader across seven different practice areas. Twenty of the firm... -
Firm News
88 Aird & Berlis Lawyers Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2023
Aird & Berlis is proud to announce that 88 members of the firm were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada. The firm is recognized across 43 practice ... -
Article
Licensed Producers Can’t Sweeten the Deal: AGCO Updates Standards on Inducing Cannabis Retailers
On February 8, 2022, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario announced key changes to the inducement rules in the Registrar’s Standards for Cannabis Retail Stores. -
Article
New Tier, New Horizons for the Canadian Securities Exchange
In order to continue to evolve with developments in the Canadian capital markets, particularly with many more established companies choosing the CSE as their preferred Canadian stock exchange, the CSE...