Boulder Cannabis Lawyers — Legal Counsel for Colorado’s Cannabis Industry
Colorado was among the first states to legalize recreational cannabis, and the industry that has developed since operates under one of the most complex regulatory frameworks in American business. Cannabis operators — whether licensed retailers, cultivators, manufacturers, or delivery services — face licensing requirements, compliance obligations, banking and financial constraints, real estate restrictions, employment issues, and business disputes that require attorneys who understand both the regulatory framework and the commercial realities of this industry. Burnham Law’s Boulder cannabis attorneys represent operators, investors, and licensees across the full spectrum of cannabis law.
Meet our Boulder civil litigation team below — attorneys experienced in cannabis licensing, compliance, business formation, and litigation for Colorado cannabis businesses.
Andrew is a seasoned attorney with over a decade of experience in navigating complex legal challenges. He has successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases, including consumer protection matters, breach of warranty claims against major automotive manufacturers, mass tort litigation, and disputes with oil and gas companies. Andrew's approach is to combine meticulous preparation with practical problem-solving, a strategy that has consistently led to favorable outcomes for his clients. Throughout his career, Andrew has resolved hundreds of cases in state and federal courts, as well as in binding arbitration. His dedicated work has resulted in millions of dollars in recoveries for his clients. He is committed to achieving the best possible results, drawing on his extensive experience to provide comprehensive and effective legal counsel.
Brandon has partnered with business owners across every stage of the business lifecycle. His experience spans pre-litigation, third-party disputes, shareholder derivative actions, and business formation, as well as day-to-day advisory services. He is also a seasoned guide in complex transactions, including sales, mergers, and acquisitions. Throughout his career, Brandon has counseled clients through transactions ranging from several hundred thousand to mid-eight figures. Regardless of the deal’s scale, his objective remains steadfast: to provide a positive, measurable impact on his clients and their long-term business health. Brandon assists clients through all phases of litigation, from initial dispute resolution to mediation and arbitration. His background in transactional law provides him with a unique edge; having drafted the very contracts that often become the subject of legal disputes, he utilizes that intimate knowledge to navigate litigation effectively and help clients avoid future risks. When he is away from his practice, Brandon stays active by golfing and going to the gym. A self-proclaimed bourbon...
Brian Teed is a civil litigation attorney. He specializes in complex motions practice and appeals. Brian earned his Juris Doctor from Arizona State University, where he distinguished himself by interning for federal district judges and working for the United States Department of Justice in Washington, DC. He also served on the executive board of the Arizona State Law Journal and published two articles on constitutional issues. After graduating, Brian clerked on the Arizona Court of Appeals and the United States District Court for the District of Arizona. At Burnham, he has served clients with litigation and transactional needs, whether negotiating, litigating, or advising on the best path forward. Some of his successes include the defense of two six-figure judgments on appeal. From this broad experience, Brian is uniquely positioned to help clients navigate the complexities and stress of civil litigation, including appeals.
Bryon has more than a decade of experience in probate, trust administration, and estate planning. His probate experience includes contesting fraudulent wills and litigating terms of estate plan documents. In preparing estate plans, Bryon emphasizes helping clients pass on as much of their estates to their loved ones as possible through careful and regular review by clients. Bryon also has experience in representing landlords in evictions, contracts, commercial sales transactions, public bidding, and special taxing districts. When not serving clients, Bryon enjoys camping, off-roading, and traveling with his family.
Before law school, Chris was a Television Broadcast News Reporter for NBC KOMU TV-8 and a Radio Broadcast News Reporter for NPR KBIA 91.3. During law school, Chris clerked for the General Counsel of a Major International Airline, he clerked for the Chief Judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals-Southern District, he clerked for a small civil litigation and real estate law firm in Columbia, and he was a summer intern at McDowell Rice Smith & Buchanan, P.C. in Kansas City. After law school, Chris became an Associate Attorney at McDowell Rice Smith & Buchanan, P.C.’s Country Club Plaza office eventually earning an Equity Shareholder Position. Since moving to Colorado in 2011, Chris has been a Business Operations Manager at a Denver-based multi-million dollar company, he has been a Contract Attorney for a medical device publicly-traded company, he has been a Staff Attorney at a boutique law firm providing bankruptcy legal services to consumers, and he has been the Bankruptcy...
Prior to joining Burnham, Cody began his career at a general practice law firm focusing primarily on commercial litigation, real estate litigation, real estate transactions, trusts and estates, probate, and oil and gas. Since then, he has honed his skills as an advocate with a focus on assisting his clients in navigating all stages of litigation and arbitration. Specifically, Cody has done multiple trials, arbitrations, mediations, and depositions, obtaining efficient and favorable results for his clients. As a result of this experience, Cody is keenly aware of the litigation process, and the strategic nuances that lead to success before and during trial. Cody is also an experienced corporate attorney who assists clients in business/shareholder disputes, transactions, and corporate structuring in a wide variety of industries, including construction, real estate acquisition and development, lifestyle brands, and many more. In his off time, Cody enjoys hiking, skiing, trying some of Denver’s best places to eat, and spending time with his Labrador Ollie.
David is a highly experienced litigator and trial attorney focusing on commercial disputes, litigation, and arbitrations. He has been representing individuals and businesses for over three decades and is a relentless advocate and seasoned trial attorney. David has honed his skills practicing with both international firms (Shook, Hardy & Bacon, Dorsey & Whitney, and Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani), and respected local firms. He possesses extensive first-chair experience in civil trials, arbitrations, and appeals, offering clients dedicated and intense focus in a wide range of complex commercial matters. David grew up in Loveland, Colorado and attended the University of Denver's Daniels College of Business on a Boettcher Foundation Scholarship, earning a degree in Finance/Real Estate. He later received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School, where he was a member of the prestigious Minnesota Law Review and a director of the International Moot Court. David started his legal career in Kansas City focusing on pharmaceutical products liability litigation, before...
Erin has extensive experience representing clients in all phases of litigation in both state and federal courts, with a focus on employment litigation, business and commercial disputes, and appellate matters. She also has significant experience in estate planning and probate, advising individuals and families on preserving their legacies and guiding them through the probate process with clarity and compassion. In addition to her private practice work, Erin served as a law clerk to the Honorable Judge Jerry N. Jones of the Colorado Court of Appeals. She also previously clerked for the South Dakota Second Judicial Circuit, gaining valuable insight into the judicial process.
Kate strives to have a client-oriented practice where she can assist her clients in all stages of litigation. Prior to joining Burnham, Kate was an associate at an AmLaw Firm where she worked on various types of complex litigation representing large corporations, municipalities, and individuals. Before going into private practice, Kate was an Assistant Public Defender in Miami-Dade County where she tried over twenty cases. Kate has been able to develop a well-rounded practice by working in both the private and public sectors. Kate has honed her skill sets from her prior experience so she can be a zealous advocate for her clients. In her spare time, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband in the outdoors, traveling, and visiting family.
Katlyn Schafer is passionate about helping her clients navigate their legal challenges by providing clear guidance, practical solutions, and strong advocacy at every stage of the process. Her practice spans a wide range of civil matters including personal disputes, consumer protection disputes, regulatory and administrative disputes, environmental disputes, and many others. Prior to joining Burnham Law, Katlyn worked as an Associate Attorney providing representation in worker's compensation disputes. During law school, Katlyn served on the editorial board for the Vermont Journal of Environmental Law. She interned with the Idaho Office of the Attorney General and gained experience working as a student-attorney to provide pro bono legal representation to various nonprofits in the New England area. In her free time, Katlyn can be found frequenting thrift stores, exploring the Colorado wilderness, and watching scary movies with her partner James and their pets, Gracie and Koda
Kayla is known for her effective legal strategies and creative solutions in resolving a wide range of disputes, including contractual issues, landlord/tenant matters, boundary disputes, and HOA conflicts. Kayla believes in understanding her clients' unique goals to secure the most beneficial results for them. Beyond her practice, Kayla is highly engaged in the legal community through volunteer board positions aimed at encouraging growth and supporting diverse voices. Her professional excellence has been consistently recognized, including being named a Top Attorney by Colorado Springs Magazine multiple times and a Super Lawyer Rising Star in 2024 and 2025. In her free time, Kayla enjoys reading, spending time with her daughter, and exploring the outdoors. She is an accomplished runner, having completed challenging races like numerous half marathons and the Pikes Peak Ascent.
Logan completed his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University at Albany, and recently earned his J.D. from William and Mary Law School. Before entering law school, Logan spent time working in the in-house legal department of a 3rd party commercial lending company. In this role he assisted with business development projects with clients ranging from local coffee shops to large commercial developers in New York City. Prior to joining Burnham, Logan began his legal career at a local Denver law firm primarily practicing civil litigation defense. Since joining Burnham, Logan has represented a diverse range of clientele ranging from individuals engaged in civil disputes to general commercial litigation. Logan has successfully negotiated various settlements in his clients’ favor, both prior to and after commencement of litigation, in case types such as breach of contract, property damage, negligence, partition, fraud, landlord/tenant disputes, and bad faith insurance denial. In his free time, you can find Logan on one of the...
Sam focuses his practice on general litigation, transactional work—aiding small businesses and assisting in acquisitions—business litigation and breakups, and administrative work. Prior to joining the Burnham Law Firm, Sam acted as counsel at a major ski company and then in a firm setting. Sam is keenly aware of the fact that litigation can be stressful and complex. His background complements his ability to provide competent guidance and critical thinking to his clients’ cases and the corollary issues which stem from them. In his free time, Sam loves to backcountry ski, race road and mountain bikes, cook, read, play guitar, and sail.
Zac focuses mainly on civil litigation, and has experience with real estate litigation, real estate transactions and estate matters. He earned his bachelor’s degree and law degree at the University of Tennessee. In law school, he was a member of the Transactions: The Tennessee Journal of Business Law and a student-attorney in the Business Clinic. In his spare time, Zac enjoys spending time with his wife and dog outdoors hiking, going to various restaurants, and being with friends. Zac is a die-hard Minnesota sports fan and Tennessee Volunteer fan.
Cannabis Law in Colorado
Colorado’s cannabis industry is regulated primarily by the Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) of the Colorado Department of Revenue, which oversees the licensing, operation, and compliance of both medical and retail cannabis businesses. The MED’s regulations — the Marijuana Rules — cover everything from license types and application requirements to facility design, inventory tracking, advertising restrictions, and employee badging. Local jurisdictions layer additional requirements on top of state regulations, and Boulder has its own licensing requirements and land use restrictions that affect cannabis business operations.
The federal status of cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance creates a persistent tension at the heart of Colorado’s cannabis industry. Cannabis businesses cannot access standard banking services, cannot deduct most business expenses on federal tax returns under Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code, and face unique challenges in real estate, insurance, and employment that don’t affect other industries. Navigating these federal constraints while building viable cannabis businesses requires attorneys who understand both the regulatory framework and its practical limitations.
Boulder County’s cannabis market has evolved significantly since recreational legalization. The initial wave of licensing has been followed by consolidation, acquisition activity, changing regulations, and increasing competition. Cannabis businesses in Boulder face the same business challenges as other commercial enterprises — partner disputes, contract failures, employment issues, real estate problems — overlaid on the unique regulatory environment of the cannabis industry.
What Our Boulder Cannabis Attorneys Handle
Licensing applications and renewals: Obtaining a cannabis license in Colorado requires navigating a detailed application process with the MED and local authorities. We guide clients through license applications for retail, cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and delivery operations — and handle renewals, modifications, and license transfers.
Regulatory compliance: Cannabis operators face ongoing compliance obligations covering facility operations, inventory tracking, employee badging, advertising, packaging, and labeling. We help operators understand their compliance obligations, implement compliant procedures, and respond to MED audits or inquiries before they become enforcement matters.
License defense and enforcement matters: When the MED initiates enforcement action against a licensee — for a compliance violation, an adverse inspection finding, or a complaint — the licensee’s license and business are at risk. We represent licensees in MED enforcement proceedings, administrative hearings, and license suspension or revocation matters.
Cannabis business formation and transactions: Cannabis businesses are formed, structured, and operated under Colorado business law, with additional regulatory constraints on ownership, investment, and transfer. We handle entity formation, operating agreements, investor arrangements, and cannabis business acquisitions and sales — including the transfer of licenses that makes these transactions uniquely complex.
Real estate for cannabis operations: Cannabis businesses face specific real estate challenges — zoning restrictions, landlord concerns about federal law, and the operational requirements that cannabis facilities must meet. We handle real estate transactions and disputes for cannabis operators and advise on the land use and zoning issues specific to this industry.
Cannabis business litigation: When cannabis business disputes end up in litigation — partner disputes, contract failures, investor claims, and employee matters — we provide the same aggressive commercial litigation representation we bring to any business dispute, with the additional layer of cannabis regulatory knowledge that these cases require.
How Colorado Cannabis Licensing Works
A Colorado cannabis license application requires demonstrating that the applicant, the proposed facility, and the planned operation all meet the MED’s requirements. This includes background checks on all owners and controlling persons, facility plans that demonstrate compliance with security, ventilation, and operational requirements, financial disclosures, and a detailed operating plan. Local approval is typically required before state licensing can proceed.
The licensing process can take several months from application to approval, and the requirements are detailed and unforgiving — incomplete or inaccurate applications are rejected or delayed. Once licensed, operators must maintain ongoing compliance with the Marijuana Rules, which are updated regularly. Material changes to the business — new owners, new locations, changes to the licensed premises — require MED approval before implementation.
Enforcement matters are handled through an administrative process that includes the ability to request a hearing before the MED’s Office of Administrative Courts. Administrative hearings in cannabis enforcement matters have their own procedural requirements and evidentiary standards, and the stakes — potential license suspension or revocation — require experienced legal representation.
Why Burnham Law for Cannabis Law in Boulder
Regulatory depth. Cannabis law is technical and constantly evolving. Our attorneys stay current on Colorado’s Marijuana Rules, MED guidance, and the local requirements in Boulder County. That current knowledge is essential to accurate compliance advice and effective license defense.
Commercial law foundation. Cannabis businesses are businesses. The commercial legal issues they face — entity structure, contracts, real estate, employment, business disputes — require attorneys who are skilled commercial lawyers in addition to understanding the regulatory overlay. We bring both.
Federal constraint awareness. The federal status of cannabis affects banking, tax, real estate, and employment issues in ways that require careful navigation. We advise cannabis clients on the practical implications of the federal framework and structure transactions to minimize unnecessary exposure.
Litigation capability. When cannabis business disputes escalate to litigation — whether in state court or in an administrative proceeding before the MED — we provide the aggressive, prepared representation that these high-stakes disputes require.
Boulder allows certain cannabis business types under its local licensing ordinance, but availability is subject to zoning restrictions, license caps in some categories, and local approval requirements that layer on top of state licensing. The viability of a specific cannabis business concept in Boulder depends on the license type, the proposed location’s zoning, and current local license availability. A cannabis attorney can assess the specific regulatory pathway before you invest in the application process.
What happens if my cannabis license is suspended or revoked?
License suspension or revocation by the MED follows an enforcement process that typically begins with a notice of allegation or a notice of hearing. The licensee has the right to request a hearing before the Office of Administrative Courts, present evidence and witnesses, and contest the alleged violations. The outcome of the administrative process can be appealed to state court. Having experienced legal representation in an enforcement proceeding significantly affects the outcome.
Can cannabis businesses use standard business banking in Colorado?
The federal status of cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance makes most federally chartered and insured banks unwilling to serve cannabis businesses. Some credit unions and state-chartered institutions have developed cannabis banking programs, but options remain limited and more expensive than standard business banking. This constraint affects how cannabis businesses structure payments, manage payroll, and handle financial transactions.
How does Section 280E of the tax code affect cannabis businesses?
Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code prohibits businesses that traffic in controlled substances from deducting ordinary business expenses on federal tax returns — beyond the cost of goods sold. For cannabis businesses, this means that expenses like rent, payroll, marketing, and professional fees are not deductible at the federal level, resulting in effective tax rates that are significantly higher than for other businesses. Proper cost of goods structuring is essential to managing 280E exposure, and tax counsel experienced with cannabis businesses is essential.
What should I look for in a cannabis business purchase agreement?
Cannabis business acquisitions are complex because they involve the transfer of licenses in addition to the underlying business assets. License transfers require MED approval, which takes time and involves background checks on the new owners. The purchase agreement must address what happens if the license transfer is denied, how the business continues to operate during the approval period, and how liabilities for pre-closing compliance issues are allocated. These transactions require attorneys who understand both cannabis regulatory law and commercial transaction structure.
Schedule a Consultation with a Boulder Cannabis Lawyer
Colorado’s cannabis regulatory framework is complex and constantly evolving. Whether you’re starting a new cannabis operation, dealing with a compliance issue, defending a license enforcement action, or navigating a cannabis business transaction, having attorneys who understand this industry makes a real difference.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. Our Boulder cannabis attorneys represent operators, investors, and licensees across Colorado’s cannabis industry.
