The production, distribution and consumption of cannabis for medical purposes has become an increasingly important component of Canada’s health care landscape. As the medical cannabis industry evolves, producers, distributors and other stakeholders must anticipate opportunities, risks and other legal implications presented by licenses to operate and related activities. In addition, it is important for businesses, workplaces, educational institutions and governmental agencies to understand the various impacts that access to medical cannabis can have in a variety of contexts.
The legalization and regulation of recreational cannabis in Canada presents opportunities for further broadening the activities of cannabis producers, distributors and industry financiers, and has brought about a complex regulatory environment which operates differently across different provinces and territories of Canada.
We’ve been involved in major cannabis industry developments in the country since 2013, many of which have been the first of their kind.
We advise on all commercial aspects including mainly navigating government relations, tax matters, regulatory compliance, marketing and import/export rules, we also support the acquisition and development of production and distribution facilities and networks, consolidation of producers and distributors via M&A, negotiating commercial real estate leases, and the public and private financing required to fund all of these activities, and finally securing patents and other intellectual property in order to protect unique investments in this area. Our regulatory knowledge is recognized as among the best in Canada.
As more individuals use cannabis products to treat health issues and for recreational purposes, employers must develop relevant policies, communicating with workforces and insurance providers and other stakeholders to align reality with business objectives.
We support employers in addressing the impact of increased cannabis use on their workforce, including: risk assessment, policy development and implementation, training of managers and supervisors, and management of employer-sponsored benefit plans.
Our commercial clients range from start-up cannabis production and distribution companies to Canada’s largest investment dealers involved in capital raising for this burgeoning industry. We also work with researchers, medical device companies and service providers including hospitals, academic institutions and industry associations.
Your team at Fasken includes lawyers who have advised on mergers, acquisitions, IPOs, real estate transactions, intellectual property matters, employment, health and safety issues, partnerships with Health Canada and the first medical cannabis delivery service outside Canada Post, and employment, labour and human rights law issues arising from cannabis use. We are committed to leadership in this area, offering client seminars, writing legal analysis and speaking to media about the practical implications of the latest regulations.
Read our publications, browse some of our recent work we’ve assisted with or contact any of our lawyers to learn more.
