Harrison provided great insight into the industry and helped us get our business off the ground. He helped us organize and prepare our application and continues to help us whenever we reach out with questions. He always replies promptly and is very knowledgeable. We would highly recommend Harrison!
In Regulated Industries, Substance Is The
Only Strategy
Substance Law advises businesses navigating Canada’s most complex regulated and emerging industries.
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Canada's Law Firm For Regulated Substances
Why Substance Law
Built For Regulated Business.
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A Disciplined Focus
We pride ourselves on staying abreast of industry developments.
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Licensing As A Strength
We're proud to help business owners obtain licences from government.
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Record Of Success
We've assisted hundreds of clients with their legal matters.
About our team
Meet The Lawyer Behind Substance Law.
Founded in 2018, Substance Law is a Canadian law firm focused on highly regulated and emerging industries.
Harrison earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Osgoode Hall Law School, where he completed a wide array of public and private law courses. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice & Public Policy from the University of Guelph.
His comprehensive knowledge ensures that Substance Law remains at the forefront of legal developments in these interrelated evolving fields. Harrison’s dedication to his practice and continuous learning contributes to his reputation as a trusted advisor in regulated industries.
Industries
Built For Industries Where The Rules Are Still Evolving.
Substance Law is a Canadian law firm focused on highly regulated and emerging industries.
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Cannabis
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Psychedelics
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Food & Beverage
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Liquor
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Fintech & Payments
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CPG & Cosmetics
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Technology & AI
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Drugs & NHPs
Our Expertise
Legal Expertise Built Around Your Business.
We provide end-to-end legal services for innovative businesses so that you can focus on operating.
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Regulatory Compliance
Compliance reviews, opinion letters, and liaising with regulators.
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Corporate
Minute books, intellectual property, and shareholder matters.
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Mergers & Acquisitions
Share sales, Asset Sales, LOIs, and Due Diligence.
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Licensing & Registration
Licence applications, renewals, and transfers.
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Contracts
Agreement drafting, review and negotiation.
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Policies & Procedures
Compliance programs, privacy policies, and terms of services.
Quoted In The Following Reputable Media
Licence applications
Licensing As A Strength.
We make the licensing process clear and efficient, with practical guidance at every step — from eligibility and application to approval and ongoing compliance.
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01
Assess Eligibility
We review your business and regulatory requirements.
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02
Prepare Application
We handle documentation and submissions.
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03
Liaise With Regulators
We communicate directly with the relevant authorities.
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04
Ongoing Support
We help with renewals, changes and compliance.
Common Licences We Work With:
- Cannabis (Cultivation, Processing, Retail)
- Liquor (Retail, Manufacturer, Importer)
- Vaping & Tobacco
- Health Canada (Drugs, NHPs)
Testimonials
Built On Trust & Precision.
Don't just take our word for it. Here is what our clients have to say about our service.
200+ client reviews
Latest insights
Regulatory News, Insights And Practical Guidance.
Stay informed with the latest developments in cannabis, psychedelics and other regulated industries, plus practical guidance from our team.
View all articles-
EU-GMP & GACP Certification for Canadian Cannabis Producers
GACP and EU-GMP Certification for Cannabis Growers and Producers in Canada Canadian cannabis businesses looking to export into regulated pharmaceutical markets typically need to navigate two related but distinct quality certifications: Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) and European Good Manufacturing Practices (EU-GMP). GACP establishes the baseline for producing high-quality starting material — covering everything…
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Share Repurchases & Buybacks
Legal Services for Share Repurchases and Share Buybacks in Canada A share repurchase, also known as a share buyback, occurs when a corporation acquires its own issued shares from one or more shareholders. Share repurchases are commonly used for shareholder exits, corporate reorganizations, estate planning, tax planning, employee departures, dispute resolution, and succession planning. Unlike…
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Subscription Agreements
Legal Services for Subscription Agreements in Canada A subscription agreement is a key legal document used when a company issues securities to an investor. It sets out the terms under which an investor agrees to purchase shares, units, convertible securities, or other equity or debt interests from a corporation or other issuer. Subscription agreements are…
FAQ
Your Question Answered.
Have questions about Substance Law? Here are some of the most common queries to help you get started.
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Timelines depend on the licence type, how complete the application is and the regulator’s current processing times. We prepare the application and supporting documents so the review runs smoothly, and we give you a realistic timeline at the start.
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It depends on the services you provide. Money services businesses register with FINTRAC, and payment service providers performing retail payment activities register with the Bank of Canada under the RPAA. Some businesses need both; we review your model and tell you which apply.
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In many cases, yes. A transfer is approved by the provincial regulator and depends on the licence conditions, the premises and the buyer’s eligibility. We handle the filings and coordinate with the other side of the deal.
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It depends on the product, its claims and how it is sold. Some products are regulated as drugs or natural health products by Health Canada. We review the product and the sales model and explain what is permitted.
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Yes. We advise clients across Canada on federal and provincial regulatory matters, and we coordinate with local counsel where a provincial rule requires it.
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We always strive to offer our clients transparent, flexible and reasonable pricing and payment options. Where the scope of the engagement permits, we try to offer our clients innovative, fixed-fee pricing options instead of traditional hourly rates, and payment through EFT, Wire, E-transfer, and Credit/Debit Card.
Service areas / Jurisdiction
Ontario-Based.
Canada-Wide Expertise.
We advise clients across Ontario and throughout Canada on regulatory, licensing and compliance matters in cannabis, psychedelics and other regulated industries.
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AGCO Licensing
Cannabis retail, consumption and related licensing
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Municipal Licences
Zoning, land use and local approvals
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Smoke-Free Ontario Act
Compliance and enforcement matters
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Federal Licensing
Health Canada, Canada-wide regulatory matters
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Excise and Tax
CRA, excise, FINTRAC and related requirements
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Other Regulated Industries
Psychedelics, hemp, wellness and emerging sectors
Our Offices
Contact
Get Strategic Counsel. Now.
You want to move fast, and you're looking for a law firm equipped to handle your challenges. That's where we fit in.
- Book a Consultation Schedule a time that works for you.
- Flexible Options Transparent pricing and fixed-fee options available.
- Quick Response Typically within one business day.
- Confidential Your information is always private.
Takes about 60 seconds · No commitment
Tell us what you need
By submitting this form, you agree to Substance Law Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Canada's Law Firm For Regulated Substances
