Cannabis Lawyer & Consultant in Ontario

Substance Law is a Toronto-based cannabis law firm providing specialized legal services to cannabis businesses operating in Toronto and across Canada. We advise licensed producers, processors, retailers, distributors, brand owners, and investors on navigating Canada’s complex and highly regulated cannabis framework.

Our cannabis practice is led by Harrison Jordan, a Canadian cannabis lawyer with extensive experience advising clients on federal, provincial, and municipal cannabis regulation. We provide practical, business-focused legal advice grounded in regulatory risk management, enforcement realities, and commercial objectives.

Substance Law also advises on emerging regulated substances, including psychedelics and other controlled drugs, where regulatory frameworks continue to evolve.

Cannabis Legal Services We Provide

Our Greater Toronto Area (GTA) based firm offers comprehensive legal support to cannabis businesses across the full lifecycle of operations—from licensing and market entry to compliance management, transactions, and enforcement matters.

Our cannabis law services include:

• Health Canada regulatory matters
• Federal and provincial cannabis licensing
• AGCO retail licensing and authorizations
• Cannabis Act security clearance matters
• CRA excise duty and compliance issues
• Marketing and promotional compliance reviews
• Administrative Monetary Penalties and enforcement response
• Cannabis brand, licensing, and contract manufacturing agreements
• Business structuring, transactions, and dispute resolution

Health Canada Regulatory Matters

Cannabis businesses operating federally must comply with the Cannabis Act and associated regulations administered by Health Canada.

We assist clients with:

• Federal cannabis licence applications and amendments
• Ongoing compliance and regulatory audits
• Responding to inspections, notices, and information requests
• Managing enforcement risk and corrective action plans

Cannabis Licensing & Authorizations

Federal Cannabis Licensing

We advise licensed producers and processors on licensing requirements, operational compliance, and regulatory strategy at the federal level.

Provincial Cannabis Licensing (Ontario & Beyond)

In Ontario, cannabis retail operations are regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

We assist with licensing for:

• Retail Store Authorizations
• Retail Operator Licences
• Retail Manager Licences for AGCO-authorized cannabis stores

Our services include preparing applications, advising on disclosure obligations, responding to regulator questions, and managing licence changes or renewals.

Cannabis Act Security Clearance Matters

Individuals in key roles within federally licensed cannabis businesses may be required to obtain security clearances under the Cannabis Act.

We advise on:

• Security clearance applications
• Addressing refusals, delays, or concerns
• Change-of-status and ongoing compliance issues

Security clearance issues can significantly impact operations if not addressed early and strategically.

CRA Excise Duty & Tax Matters

Cannabis businesses are subject to complex excise duty and tax obligations administered by the Canada Revenue Agency.

We assist with:

• Cannabis excise duty compliance
• Structuring considerations for excise exposure
• Regulatory and audit-related issues
• Risk management related to CRA enforcement

Marketing, Promotion & Advertising Compliance

Cannabis advertising and promotion are strictly regulated in Canada.

We conduct marketing and promotional reviews to assess compliance with:

• Federal advertising restrictions
• Packaging and branding rules
• Digital, social media, and influencer marketing risks

We help businesses balance brand development with regulatory constraints.

Enforcement & Administrative Monetary Penalties

Cannabis regulators have broad enforcement powers, including the ability to issue Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs).

We assist with:

• Responding to notices of violation
• Enforcement correspondence and investigations
• Compliance remediation strategies
• Risk mitigation to prevent escalation

Early legal involvement can materially affect outcomes.

Cannabis Commercial Agreements

We draft, review, and negotiate cannabis-specific commercial agreements, including:

• Brand licensing agreements
• Contract manufacturing and white-label arrangements
• Supply and distribution agreements
• Strategic partnerships and joint ventures

All agreements are structured with regulatory compliance in mind.

Cannabis Business Structuring & Transactions

Business Formation & Structuring

We advise on incorporation, ownership structures, investor arrangements, and regulatory disclosure requirements.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Due Diligence

We assist cannabis businesses and investors with:

• Regulatory due diligence
• Change-of-control approvals
• Asset and share purchase transactions
• Transaction structuring in a regulated environment

Municipal Zoning & Local Compliance

Municipal bylaws can significantly affect cannabis retail and production facilities.

We assist with:

• Zoning and land-use compliance
• Site selection risk assessments
• Municipal permits and approvals
• Addressing local regulatory concerns

Why Work With Substance Law as Your Cannabis Lawyer?

• Focused cannabis regulatory experience
• Deep knowledge of Health Canada, AGCO, CRA, and municipal frameworks
• Practical, business-driven legal advice
• Experience across licensing, enforcement, and transactions
• National cannabis practice with Ontario leadership

Work With a Cannabis Lawyer in Canada

If you are launching, operating, or scaling a cannabis business in Canada, Toronto’s Substance Law provides the legal clarity and regulatory support you need.

Contact us today to speak with a Toronto cannabis lawyer.