Westminster Cannabis Lawyers — Legal Counsel for Cannabis Operators in Adams and Jefferson Counties
Colorado’s cannabis industry operates under one of the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks in the country, and operating successfully requires legal counsel who understands both the state regulatory architecture and the specific local requirements that apply where your business operates. Cannabis operators in Westminster and the surrounding north metro area face licensing requirements, compliance obligations, banking and tax constraints, real estate restrictions, and business disputes that require attorneys who know this industry — not just attorneys who handle general commercial matters. Burnham Law’s Westminster cannabis attorneys represent operators, investors, and licensees across the full range of cannabis legal matters in Adams and Jefferson Counties and throughout Colorado.
Meet our Westminster civil litigation team below — attorneys experienced in cannabis licensing, regulatory compliance, enforcement defense, and cannabis business matters throughout Colorado.
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 Westminster and the North Metro Area
Colorado’s cannabis industry is regulated at the state level by the Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) of the Colorado Department of Revenue. The MED’s Marijuana Rules establish requirements for every aspect of cannabis operations — license types, facility design and security, seed-to-sale inventory tracking, employee badging, advertising and packaging standards, and product testing. Local jurisdictions have independent authority to permit or restrict cannabis operations and to impose additional requirements on top of the state framework.
Westminster’s approach to cannabis regulation reflects its position spanning two counties. The City of Westminster has its own local cannabis licensing ordinance that governs cannabis operations within city limits, regardless of which county the property falls in. Adams County and Jefferson County have their own regulatory frameworks for cannabis operations in unincorporated areas of their respective counties. An operator considering a Westminster-area location must navigate the applicable city or county local requirements in addition to the MED’s state licensing process — and the interaction between the two layers requires careful attention.
The federal illegality of cannabis creates persistent practical constraints for Westminster operators — limited access to conventional banking, Section 280E’s prohibition on deducting most business expenses from federal taxes, and challenges with real estate, insurance, and financial services that don’t affect other industries. Navigating these constraints while building a viable cannabis business in the Westminster market requires attorneys who understand both the regulatory framework and its real-world commercial implications.
What Our Westminster Cannabis Attorneys Handle
License applications and renewals: Obtaining a Colorado cannabis license requires navigating the MED’s state application process and the applicable local licensing requirements — Westminster city, Adams County, or Jefferson County depending on the location. We guide clients through applications for retail, cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and delivery licenses and handle renewals, modifications, and ownership changes that require MED approval.
Regulatory compliance: Cannabis operators in Westminster face continuous compliance obligations under both the MED’s rules and local requirements. We help operators understand their obligations, implement compliant operational systems, conduct compliance reviews, and respond to MED inquiries before they escalate to formal enforcement proceedings.
Enforcement defense: When the MED initiates enforcement action against a Westminster-area licensee — following an adverse inspection, a complaint, or an identified compliance violation — the licensee’s business is at direct risk. We represent licensees in MED enforcement proceedings, administrative hearings, and license suspension or revocation matters throughout Colorado.
Cannabis business transactions: Cannabis business acquisitions and sales require MED approval of the license transfer in addition to the commercial transaction structure. Westminster’s position in two counties can affect the real estate and local licensing components of these transactions. We handle entity formation, operating agreements, investor arrangements, and cannabis business sales with attention to all applicable regulatory requirements.
Real estate for cannabis operations: Cannabis businesses in Westminster face specific real estate challenges — local zoning restrictions that vary between the city, Adams County, and Jefferson County, landlord concerns related to federal illegality, and facility requirements imposed by the MED. We advise cannabis operators on real estate transactions and lease negotiations specific to the cannabis industry in the Westminster area.
Cannabis business litigation: When cannabis business disputes escalate — partner conflicts, investor claims, contract failures — we provide the aggressive commercial litigation representation these disputes require, with the cannabis regulatory knowledge that makes our advocacy effective in both the commercial courts and the MED administrative process.
Westminster’s position spanning Adams and Jefferson Counties creates cannabis licensing considerations that are unique to this market. The City of Westminster’s local cannabis licensing ordinance applies throughout the city regardless of county, but operators in unincorporated areas near Westminster may be subject to Adams County or Jefferson County’s separate frameworks instead. Understanding which local regulatory body has jurisdiction over a specific location — and what that body’s requirements are — is the first question to answer before investing in any Westminster-area cannabis license application.
The City of Westminster permits cannabis retail and other license types subject to local licensing requirements and zoning restrictions. Available locations within Westminster’s commercial zones are limited, and the competitive demand for compliant cannabis real estate in the north metro area makes location selection a significant strategic and legal decision. Pre-application site analysis — evaluating zoning compliance, proximity restrictions, and local license availability — is an important first step that can save significant time and investment.
Once licensed, Westminster cannabis operators must maintain compliance with both the MED’s state requirements and the applicable local regulations — which may be updated independently of each other. Material business changes require prior MED approval, and local licensing bodies may have their own notification or approval requirements for certain changes. Proactive compliance monitoring across both regulatory layers is the most effective approach to avoiding enforcement issues.
Why Burnham Law for Cannabis Law in Westminster
Multi-jurisdictional regulatory knowledge. Westminster cannabis operators must navigate the MED’s state framework plus Westminster city, Adams County, or Jefferson County local requirements depending on their location. We understand all of these frameworks and how they interact for Westminster-area operators.
Commercial law depth. Cannabis businesses face the same commercial legal challenges as any other business — contracts, real estate, employment, entity structure, and disputes — overlaid on the regulatory framework. Effective cannabis counsel requires genuine commercial law capability. We bring both the regulatory knowledge and the commercial law depth that Westminster cannabis operators need.
Federal constraint awareness. Section 280E, federal banking limitations, and the real estate and insurance implications of federal illegality require careful navigation. We advise Westminster cannabis clients on the practical impact of the federal framework and structure transactions to minimize unnecessary exposure.
Enforcement defense preparation. MED enforcement actions can move quickly, and the quality of legal representation in the administrative proceeding significantly affects the outcome. We represent Westminster licensees in enforcement matters with the same aggressive preparation we bring to civil litigation.
The City of Westminster permits cannabis retail operations subject to local licensing requirements and zoning restrictions. Whether a specific location is viable for a cannabis retail operation depends on the zoning designation, proximity to restricted uses, and local license availability. Westminster’s dual-county geography means that locations near the city boundary may alternatively fall under Adams County or Jefferson County rules rather than the city’s. A pre-application consultation with a cannabis attorney can evaluate the regulatory pathway for a specific location before you commit resources to the process.
What local regulations apply to cannabis businesses in the Westminster area?
Cannabis operations within Westminster city limits are subject to the City of Westminster’s local cannabis licensing ordinance, regardless of which county the property is in. Cannabis operations in unincorporated areas near Westminster may be subject to Adams County’s or Jefferson County’s separate cannabis regulations. All Colorado cannabis operations are also subject to the MED’s state licensing requirements. Identifying the correct local regulatory body for a specific location is the essential first step in any Westminster-area cannabis licensing matter.
What happens if an MED inspection finds compliance issues at my Westminster facility?
MED compliance inspections can be unannounced and cover a wide range of operational requirements. If an inspection identifies compliance issues, the MED may issue a notice of deficiency, a civil penalty, or initiate a formal enforcement action depending on the nature and severity of the violation. Having legal counsel involved as soon as the inspection identifies potential issues — before any response to the MED is submitted — is critical to protecting the license and managing the enforcement risk.
How does Section 280E affect cannabis business taxes for Westminster operators?
Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code prohibits cannabis businesses from deducting ordinary business expenses from federal taxable income — beyond the cost of goods sold — because cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. This means that rent, payroll, marketing, professional fees, and most other operating costs are not deductible at the federal level, creating effective tax rates significantly higher than for other businesses. Maximizing cost of goods sold deductions through proper business structuring is a key planning strategy, and cannabis-experienced tax counsel is essential for Westminster operators.
What should I look for in a Westminster cannabis business lease?
Cannabis business leases in Westminster require careful attention to several issues that don’t arise in standard commercial leases: the landlord’s knowledge of and consent to cannabis operations, provisions addressing what happens if cannabis becomes federally illegal or if the landlord faces federal enforcement, the right to make the MED-required facility modifications, local licensing compliance obligations, and what happens to the lease if the cannabis license is suspended or revoked. Landlord concerns about federal illegality are common in Westminster’s commercial real estate market, and negotiating lease terms that protect the cannabis operator’s investment and operational continuity requires attorneys who understand both cannabis law and commercial real estate.
Schedule a Consultation with a Westminster Cannabis Lawyer
Colorado’s cannabis regulatory framework is complex, and operating in Westminster’s multi-jurisdictional environment adds layers that require knowledgeable legal guidance. Whether you’re launching a new cannabis operation, addressing a compliance issue, defending a license enforcement action, or navigating a cannabis business transaction, having attorneys who understand this industry and this market makes a meaningful difference.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. Our Westminster cannabis attorneys represent operators, investors, and licensees throughout Adams and Jefferson Counties and Colorado.
