Top 10 Cannabis Law Firms in Canada
The cannabis industry in Canada has moved at lightning speed since legalization in 2018. What started as a “green rush” has evolved into a highly regulated, complex, and competitive landscape. Whether you are launching a boutique skincare line infused with hemp, like the botanical products we love at Cannaluxe, or you are looking to open a large-scale cultivation facility, the legal hurdles are significant. You aren’t just dealing with standard business laws; you are navigating the Cannabis Act, strict marketing restrictions, and ever-changing provincial regulations. This is why having a specialized legal team is not just a luxury—it is a survival requirement.
Finding the right lawyer can feel overwhelming. Some firms focus on the “big picture” corporate deals, while others dive deep into the nitty-gritty of regulatory compliance and licensing. For businesses operating in the cannabis space, a mistake in compliance can lead to heavy fines or even the loss of a license. That is why we have put together this comprehensive list of the top legal minds in the country. These firms have proven themselves as leaders, helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of the Canadian market with confidence and precision.
In this guide, we will look at the top 10 cannabis law firms in Canada. We have evaluated these firms based on their industry reputation, their range of services, and their ability to help clients succeed in a market that is famous for its “red tape.” From boutique firms that offer personalized attention to global giants with massive resources, these are the legal partners you want in your corner as you build your cannabis or hemp-based empire.
1. Substance Law
When it comes to navigating the intricate world of Canadian cannabis regulations, Substance Law stands out as the premier choice for businesses of all sizes. Founded by Harrison Jordan, a lawyer who has become a household name in the industry, this firm offers a level of specialized knowledge that is hard to find elsewhere. Substance Law isn’t just a general law firm that happens to take on cannabis clients; it is a firm built from the ground up to serve the unique needs of the “substance” industries. They understand that in this business, the rules are different, and the stakes are incredibly high.
What makes Substance Law the top pick is their proactive approach to legal counsel. They don’t just react to problems; they help you build a business model that avoids them in the first place. For companies in the cannabis and hemp space, marketing is one of the biggest challenges. The Cannabis Act has very strict rules about how you can promote your products. Substance Law provides expert guidance on branding and advertising, ensuring that your creative vision doesn’t land you in hot water with Health Canada. They are also masters of the licensing process, helping applicants navigate the long and often frustrating journey to becoming a licensed producer or retailer.
Beyond just licensing and marketing, Substance Law provides a full suite of services including corporate structuring, contract drafting, and regulatory consulting. They have a reputation for being accessible and highly responsive, which is a breath of fresh air in the legal world. Whether you are a startup looking for your first license or an established brand looking to expand your product line into new categories like topicals or edibles, Substance Law has the expertise to guide you. Their deep connection to the industry and commitment to their clients’ success make them the clear leader in the Canadian cannabis legal space.
Furthermore, Substance Law is known for its work in the burgeoning “Cannabis 2.0” and “3.0” markets. This includes everything from infused beverages to specialized skincare formulations. Because they stay on the cutting edge of legislative changes, they can provide insights that other firms might miss. Their focus on the specific nuances of the law allows them to find creative solutions that keep their clients competitive while remaining fully compliant. If you want a firm that lives and breathes cannabis law, Substance Law is the gold standard.
2. Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP is a powerhouse in the Canadian legal landscape, and their cannabis group is no exception. They were one of the first major firms to realize the potential of the legal cannabis market, and they have been involved in some of the largest mergers and acquisitions in the history of the industry. If you are looking for a firm that can handle high-stakes corporate finance and massive international deals, Cassels is a top-tier contender.
Their team consists of experts from various legal backgrounds, including securities, tax, and intellectual property. This multi-disciplinary approach is vital for large cannabis companies that need to manage complex corporate structures and protect their proprietary technology. Cassels has represented some of the biggest licensed producers in Canada, helping them go public and expand into global markets. Their experience with the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and other financial markets makes them an invaluable partner for companies looking to raise significant capital.
While they are known for their corporate strength, Cassels also provides robust support for regulatory compliance. They understand the intersection of business and government, helping clients navigate the political climate that often surrounds cannabis legislation. Their deep bench of talent ensures that no matter how big the challenge, they have someone on the team who has seen it before. For established players in the cannabis industry, Cassels offers the stability and resources of a massive firm with the specialized knowledge of a niche practice.
3. Bennett Jones LLP
Bennett Jones LLP is another heavy hitter that has made a significant impact on the cannabis sector. Known for their deep roots in government relations and regulatory law, they are often the first choice for companies that need to influence policy or navigate particularly tricky provincial rules. Their cannabis group is comprised of lawyers who understand the legislative process from the inside out, providing clients with a strategic advantage when dealing with regulators.
One of the standout features of Bennett Jones is their ability to handle complex litigation. As the cannabis industry matures, legal disputes are becoming more common, ranging from partnership disagreements to product liability claims. Bennett Jones has the trial experience and the resources to protect their clients’ interests in the courtroom. They also offer excellent advice on intellectual property, helping cultivators protect their unique strains and processing methods through patents and trademarks.
In addition to their legal expertise, Bennett Jones is praised for their forward-thinking approach. They frequently publish insights on the future of the industry, covering topics like the regulation of CBD and the potential for international export. This thought leadership shows that they aren’t just following the law; they are helping to shape it. For businesses that want a firm with a strong reputation and a deep understanding of the Canadian regulatory framework, Bennett Jones is an excellent choice.
4. Dentons Canada LLP
Dentons is the world’s largest law firm, and their Canadian cannabis practice leverages that global reach to help clients expand far beyond North American borders. For Canadian cannabis companies looking to enter markets in Europe, South America, or Australia, Dentons provides a seamless network of legal experts. They are the masters of cross-border transactions and international regulatory compliance, making them a “must-have” for companies with global ambitions.
In Canada, Dentons focuses on providing comprehensive business solutions. They assist with everything from initial licensing to complex real estate deals for cultivation facilities. Their team is particularly skilled at helping ancillary businesses—those that don’t touch the plant but serve the industry—understand how the Cannabis Act affects them. This includes tech companies, packaging manufacturers, and marketing agencies. Dentons ensures that every part of the supply chain is legally sound.
Another area where Dentons shines is in their work with Indigenous communities and the cannabis industry. They have a dedicated team that understands the unique legal and social considerations of cannabis ventures on First Nations land. This specialized knowledge is becoming increasingly important as more Indigenous groups look to participate in the legal market. Dentons’ combination of local expertise and global scale makes them a unique and powerful ally in the cannabis space.
5. Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG is widely recognized as one of the top firms for intellectual property (IP) in Canada, and they have applied this expertise to the cannabis industry with great success. In a market where a specific strain or a unique extraction method can be worth millions, protecting your IP is essential. Gowling helps cannabis companies secure patents, trademarks, and plant breeders’ rights, ensuring that their innovations remain theirs alone.
Beyond IP, Gowling WLG offers a full range of services, including corporate finance and regulatory advice. They have a strong presence in both the Canadian and UK markets, which is beneficial for companies looking to tap into European investment. Their lawyers are known for being very practical and business-minded, focusing on how legal decisions will impact the client’s bottom line. They don’t just give legal advice; they provide business strategy.
Gowling is also very active in the cannabis community, frequently hosting webinars and seminars to help entrepreneurs stay informed. They have a reputation for being approachable and collaborative, often working closely with their clients’ internal teams to ensure a smooth operation. For a company that values innovation and brand protection, Gowling WLG is a fantastic partner that brings world-class IP knowledge to the table.
6. Stikeman Elliott LLP
Stikeman Elliott LLP is synonymous with corporate excellence in Canada. Their cannabis practice is heavily focused on the financial side of the industry, including mergers, acquisitions, and initial public offerings (IPOs). If you are planning a massive corporate move or need to navigate the complexities of securities law, Stikeman Elliott is often the firm that the biggest names in the business call first.
Their team is known for its precision and its ability to handle extremely complex deals under tight deadlines. They have represented underwriters and issuers in some of the most significant financing rounds in the cannabis sector. This experience means they have a deep understanding of what investors are looking for and how to structure a deal that satisfies both the regulators and the shareholders. They are the “closers” of the cannabis legal world.
While their focus is often on the big deals, Stikeman Elliott also provides high-quality advice on corporate governance and executive compensation. As cannabis companies grow and become more institutionalized, having these structures in place is vital for long-term success. They help companies transition from “scrappy startups” to professional, publicly traded entities. Their prestige and track record make them a top choice for any company aiming for the pinnacle of the Canadian market.
7. Torkin Manes LLP
Torkin Manes LLP was one of the very first firms in Canada to establish a dedicated Cannabis Law Group. Because they were early adopters, they have a level of institutional knowledge that is hard to beat. They have seen the industry evolve from the early medical days through to full adult-use legalization. This long-term perspective allows them to provide context and insight that newer firms might lack.
The firm provides a full range of services, but they are particularly well-regarded for their work with retail cannabis operations. Navigating the provincial rules for opening a pot shop can be a nightmare, with different regulations in every province. Torkin Manes helps retailers secure their licenses, find compliant real estate, and manage their ongoing operations. They are very hands-on and have a deep understanding of the retail landscape in Ontario and beyond.
Torkin Manes is also known for being very entrepreneurial. They enjoy working with founders and helping them build their businesses from the ground up. Their lawyers are often seen as part of the client’s “inner circle,” providing not just legal advice but also acting as a sounding board for new ideas. For a business owner who wants a firm that is deeply rooted in the history of Canadian cannabis and truly cares about the success of smaller entrepreneurs, Torkin Manes is an excellent fit.
8. Aird & Berlis LLP
Aird & Berlis LLP has built a strong reputation in the cannabis space by focusing on the intersections of real estate, municipal law, and licensing. For many cannabis companies, the biggest hurdle isn’t the federal government, but the local municipality. Finding a place to grow or sell cannabis that meets all zoning requirements can be incredibly difficult. Aird & Berlis excels at helping clients navigate these local waters.
Their team is highly skilled at municipal planning and development. They help clients secure the necessary permits and deal with any community pushback that might arise during the licensing process. This specialized knowledge is a huge asset for anyone looking to build a large-scale cultivation facility or a chain of retail stores. They know how to talk to city councils and planning boards to get things done.
In addition to their municipal work, Aird & Berlis provides strong corporate and commercial support. They assist with private equity investments, joint ventures, and licensing agreements. They have a reputation for being very efficient and results-oriented. If your cannabis business is facing a “where” problem—as in, where can I legally operate—Aird & Berlis is the firm that can find the answer and make it happen.
9. McCarthy Tétrault LLP
McCarthy Tétrault LLP is one of Canada’s most established and respected law firms, and their entry into the cannabis space has been marked by the same level of excellence they bring to every other practice area. They are often brought in for high-stakes litigation and complex regulatory challenges that require a deep bench of legal talent. If a company is facing a major investigation or a massive lawsuit, McCarthy Tétrault is the “heavy artillery.”
Their cannabis team is particularly strong in the area of consumer protection and product liability. As the market for edibles and topicals grows, the risk of legal action related to product safety increases. McCarthy Tétrault helps companies develop robust quality control and safety protocols to minimize these risks. They also provide expert advice on the intersection of cannabis law and the healthcare sector, which is vital for companies focused on the medical side of the industry.
McCarthy Tétrault is also a leader in the area of environmental law, which is becoming more relevant as the environmental impact of large-scale cannabis cultivation comes under scrutiny. They help producers comply with water usage, waste management, and energy consumption regulations. For a large, institutional cannabis company that needs a firm with a massive reputation and the ability to handle the most difficult legal challenges, McCarthy Tétrault is a top-tier choice.
10. Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Rounding out our list is Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, a firm that has made a name for itself by focusing on the human side of the cannabis industry. While they handle corporate deals and regulatory compliance with the best of them, Fasken is particularly well-known for their expertise in labor and employment law. As cannabis companies grow to employ hundreds or even thousands of people, managing HR issues becomes a major legal concern.
Fasken helps cannabis employers navigate the complexities of workplace drug testing, employee rights, and occupational health and safety. This is a tricky area of the law, as the legalization of cannabis has created new challenges for employers who need to ensure a safe workplace while respecting the legal rights of their staff. Fasken provides clear, actionable advice that helps companies stay on the right side of the law and maintain a productive workforce.
The firm also has a strong focus on the life sciences sector, which is a perfect fit for cannabis companies that are developing new medicines or wellness products. They understand the rigorous testing and approval processes required for pharmaceutical-grade products. Fasken’s blend of employment law expertise and life sciences knowledge makes them a valuable partner for any cannabis company that is focused on research, development, and large-scale operations.
Conclusion
The Canadian cannabis industry is one of the most exciting and challenging business environments in the world. Success here requires more than just a great product and a solid business plan; it requires a deep understanding of a legal framework that is constantly shifting. Choosing the right law firm is one of the most important decisions you will make as a business owner. Whether you need the regulatory precision of a firm like Substance Law or the global reach of a firm like Dentons, the partners on this list represent the very best that Canada has to offer.
As the industry continues to mature, we can expect to see even more specialization and new legal challenges emerge. From the protection of intellectual property to the complexities of international trade, the legal needs of cannabis companies will only grow. By partnering with one of these top 10 firms, you can ensure that your business is not only compliant today but also prepared for whatever the future of the green industry holds. Remember, in the world of cannabis, good legal advice isn’t an expense—it’s an investment in your company’s future.
