RK&L helps clients in all aspects of the cannabis industry – from those that “touch the flower” to ancillary businesses like lighting, humidity, and temperature control consultants, web designers marketing firms, scientists and other vendors who provide materials or services in the cannabis space.

The firm’s cannabis-related services include:

Corporate and other business formations

S-Corp, C-Corp, LLC. What’s the difference and which is the right type of formation for your venture? The attorneys of RK&L will walk you through the pros and cons of each type of entity in the context of your business and operational need so you can make the best decision for your venture.

Corporate Compliance

Many new ventures mistakenly believe that their corporate responsibilities end with formation. That is, they believe that once they have selected and formed the appropriate structure correctly, they are clear from having any personal, individual liability. Not so. Each type of entity must continue to take ongoing measures (i.e., observe corporate formalities) to be deemed a separate entity from the individuals of which it is comprised, so that the individuals can be shielded from personal liability.

RK&L can provide guidance to ensure that your venture remains compliant as it transacts its routine, daily activities.

Regulatory Compliance

In the ever-changing cannabis landscape, it is very easy to make a misstep into the no-go zone. Considering the regulatory bodies with oversight at the federal, state and local level, it is imperative that businesses constantly stay abreast of changes and remain compliant “from seed to sale” – whether growing, manufacturing, distributing, packaging, delivering or otherwise.

RK&L can advise you as to the best practices for getting and staying on the right side of the law.

Licensing

• State and local applications
• Zoning compliance
• Social Equity Programs consultations
• SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)

Business Contracts/Operations

• Confidentiality, non-disclosure and non-compete agreements
• Contract negotiation, preparation, drafting, analysis and review
• Co-branding agreements
• UCC 1 Filings
• Strategic alliance agreements
• Licensing agreements
• Disclaimer of liability agreements
• Distribution Agreements
• Joint ventures
• Asset sales
• Lender/investor agreements
• Property location, zoning compliance, leasing, acquisition and disposition
• Agreements relating to usage of internet, e-commerce and social media