Legal cannabis is a rapidly growing industry in the United States, with an expanding list of jurisdictions regulating its medical and recreational use. From assisting in preparing state license applications for prospective cannabis facilities, to providing advice and counsel on local permitting or regulatory compliance issues, to helping in complex mergers and acquisitions during later stages of cannabis facility growth, practicing as a cannabis attorney can involve a diverse range of activities.

Cannabis law touches nearly all aspects of legal practice and study. A cannabis attorney may assist a business operator in navigating complicated tax law and financial planning as well as the ever-changing regulatory landscape. This may involve taking on the roles of advocate, lobbyist, regulator, elected or appointed representative—or within the areas of criminal defense, restorative justice or civil law.