A Higher Law

Hosted by Dykema's Cannabis Industry Group

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Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

A Higher Law is your guide to the latest legal developments in the cannabis world, brought to you by Dykema’s award-winning cannabis attorneys. From employment to real estate to emerging trends, A Higher Law features interviews with industry insiders to discuss everything you need to know to navigate this complex legal space. To hear more episodes, subscribe to Dykema’s YouTube channel , find us on our News and Insights feed , or search “A Higher Law” wherever you get your podcasts.

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31 recent

May 11, 2026Episode 3040 min

Medical marijuana just got moved to Schedule III. Now what?

In our latest episode of A Higher Law, Lance Boldrey and John Fraser dive into the historic rescheduling of medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III – arguably the most significant shift in federal cannabis law in over 50 years.From tax relief and DEA registration to the expanding role of state regulatory systems, they break down what this change actually means for the industry, and why it could reshape how cannabis businesses operate moving forward.They also look ahead to what’s next, including the potential path for adult-use cannabis and the legal and regulatory questions still to be answered.

December 2, 2025Episode 2927 min

Is psychedelic-assisted therapy the next step in workplace wellness?

What if employers could improve mental health, lower costs, and boost retention by offering treatments once considered unconventional?Brett Gelbord sits down with Jillie Gordon Foerster of Dykema’s Employee Benefits Group and Sherry Rais, Co-Founder & CEO of Enthea, to explain how ketamine-assisted therapy, psilocybin therapy, and non-psychedelic options like the stellate ganglion block are becoming part of workplace wellness strategies. Listen as they examine how these treatments support employees who need help the most, why the data behind them is gaining attention, and what it takes to seamlessly integrate these services with their carrier.To hear more episodes, be sure to subscribe to Dykema’s YouTube channel, the Cannabis Law Blog, or by searching “A Higher Law” wherever you get your podcasts.Find more on Brett here.Find more on Jillie here.Find more on Sherry and Enthea here.To hear more episodes, visit DykemaPodcasts.com, our YouTube page, or search “A Higher Law” wherever you get your podcasts.Subscribe to Dykema’s Cannabis Law BlogLearn more about Dykema’s cannabis groupFollow Dykema on LinkedIn

August 19, 2025Episode 2835 min

What happens when a cannabis business can’t pay its debts?

How do you measure success in an industry where operators need to evaluate their business plans based on regulatory trends, tax limitations, and (sometimes illegal) competition?What should cannabis companies do when the money runs out—and federal bankruptcy isn't an option? John Fraser, Michigan team leader of Dykema’s cannabis group, is joined by Terry Mendez, CEO of Safe Harbor Financial, to break down how cannabis businesses and their creditors are navigating financial distress.Listen as they cover the economic pressures pushing companies toward insolvency, from 280E to slim margins, and unpack alternatives like receiverships and assignments for the benefit of creditors, as well as the early warning signs of trouble and the practical steps companies can take before legal proceedings begin. To hear more episodes, be sure to subscribe to Dykema’s YouTube channel, the Cannabis Law Blog, or by searching “A Higher Law” wherever you get your podcasts.Find more on John here.Find more on Terry and Safe Harbor Financial here.To hear more episodes, visit DykemaPodcasts.com, our YouTube page, or search “A Higher Law” wherever you get your podcasts.Subscribe to Dykema’s Cannabis Law BlogLearn more about Dykema’s cannabis groupFollow Dykema on LinkedIn

January 30, 2025Episode 2735 min

How can cannabis companies retain their best employees?

How do you build a thriving workforce in an industry known for instability? Brett Gelbord sits down with Nate Russell and Ben Richards of The Lab to discuss what it takes to create fair and effective employment practices in the cannabis space, exploring the factors that truly drive retention and success. Listen as they dive into their unique approach—offering above-industry wages, eliminating traditional management hierarchies, and designing systems that empower employees instead of micromanaging them.To hear more episodes, be sure to subscribe to Dykema’s YouTube channel, the Cannabis Law Blog, or by searching “A Higher Law” wherever you get your podcasts.Find more on Brett here.Find more on Nathan, Ben, and The Lab here.To hear more episodes, visit DykemaPodcast.com, our YouTube page, or search “A Higher Law” wherever you get your podcasts.Subscribe to Dykema’s Cannabis Law BlogLearn more about Dykema’s cannabis groupFollow Dykema on LinkedIn

October 15, 2024Episode 2618 min

Is hiring a foreign national a risky move for cannabis employers?

Cannabis legalization may continue to spread state-by-state, but Uncle Sam still sees it as a controlled substance and those who engage in the field can fit the definition of narcotics traffickers. So with immigration laws still governed at a national level, any involvement by a foreign national in the cannabis industry can create significant legal challenges.Brett Gelbord sits down with James Aldrich, leader of Dykema’s immigration practice, to explore the unique regulatory hurdles cannabis operators face when employing non-citizen labor, and how to navigate them to remain compliant and protect their workforce.To hear more episodes, be sure to subscribe to Dykema’s YouTube channel, the Cannabis Law Blog, or by searching “A Higher Law” wherever you get your podcasts.Find more on Brett here.Find more on James here.To hear more episodes, visit DykemaPodcast.com, our YouTube page, or search “A Higher Law” wherever you get your podcasts.Subscribe to Dykema’s Cannabis Law BlogLearn more about Dykema’s cannabis groupFollow Dykema on LinkedIn

September 10, 2024Episode 2536 min

Can psychedelics overcome the complex legal challenges to provide wider access to their benefits?

Psychedelics hold immense promise for disrupting the consumer wellness space, and present a potentially lucrative opportunity for investors. But before they can fully capitalize on this potential, psychedelic brands will need to navigate the significant legal hurdles before them. Brett Gelbord sits down with Evan Eneman, founder and CEO of The Sands Lane Foundation, to explore the benefits of psychedelics, the investment opportunities they offer, and the complex legal framework that could impact their growth and successTo hear more episodes, be sure to subscribe to Dykema’s YouTube channel, the Cannabis Law Blog, or by searching “A Higher Law” wherever you get your podcasts.Find more on Brett here.Find more on Evan and The Sands Lane Foundation here.To hear more episodes, visit DykemaPodcast.com, our YouTube page, or search “A Higher Law” wherever you get your podcasts.Subscribe to Dykema’s Cannabis Law BlogLearn more about Dykema’s cannabis groupFollow Dykema on LinkedIn

August 20, 2024Episode 2445 min

How challenging is it to secure a trademark for your cannabis brand?

Picture this: Your cannabis business is thriving, sales are through the roof, and you’ve developed a loyal, passionate following for your brand. And yet… you still haven’t been able to register a trademark. As with nearly every other aspect of operating a cannabis business, securing a trademark in this industry presents a unique set of regulatory challenges. John Fraser, Michigan team leader of Dykema’s cannabis group, sits down with Jennifer Fraser, leader of Dykema’s trademark practice, to break down the essentials of trademarking a cannabis brand, including state vs. federal registrations, potential pitfalls to avoid, and best practices for navigating the application process.To hear more episodes, be sure to subscribe to Dykema’s YouTube channel, the Cannabis Law Blog, or by searching “A Higher Law” wherever you get your podcasts.Find more on John here.Find more on Jennifer here.To hear more episodes, visit DykemaPodcast.com, our YouTube page, or search “A Higher Law” wherever you get your podcasts.Subscribe to Dykema’s Cannabis Law BlogLearn more about Dykema’s cannabis groupFollow Dykema on LinkedIn

July 30, 2024Episode 2329 min

Collaboration or contamination? Here‘s how to protect your cannabis trade secrets.

Cultivating a competitive edge in the cannabis industry hinges on innovation. But protecting those game-changing ideas is a hazy process that poses a lot of questions: Can you collaborate with other growers and researchers without putting your secrets at risk? What happens if someone steals your million-dollar marijuana strain?Brett Gelbord sits down with Steve Zeller of Dykema’s Intellectual Property group to discuss the complex world of cannabis trade secrets, exploring what qualifies as a secret worth safeguarding, the unique challenges cannabis businesses face, and best practices for keeping your competitive edge sharp.Find more on Brett here.Find more on Steve here.To hear more episodes, visit DykemaPodcast.com, our YouTube page, or search “A Higher Law” wherever you get your podcasts.Subscribe to Dykema’s Cannabis Law BlogLearn more about Dykema’s cannabis groupFollow Dykema on LinkedIn

March 12, 2024Episode 2221 min

How are M&A deals structured in the cannabis industry?

Like most other practices in the cannabis industry, conducting M&A activity within this space presents its own unique challenges. Federal prohibition restricts traditional financing methods and complicates business valuations, while patchwork regulation across individual states can throw a wrench in due diligence measures.John Fraser sits down with Dykema M&A practice group co-chair Joe DeHondt to discuss these nuances and offer advice for how to navigate them.Find more on John here.Find more on Joe here.To hear more episodes, visit DykemaPodcast.com, our YouTube page, or search “A Higher Law” wherever you get your podcasts.Subscribe to Dykema’s Cannabis Law BlogLearn more about Dykema’s cannabis groupFollow Dykema on LinkedIn

February 27, 2024Episode 2128 min

What cannabis operators need to know about properly insuring their business

A combination of regulatory hurdles, limited market options, and the unique risks associated with the industry has made it challenging for cannabis companies in Michigan to secure comprehensive and affordable insurance coverage. Dykema’s Cannabis Industry group leader Lance Boldrey sits down with Peter Vredeveld of OVD Insurance to discuss what licensees can do to navigate market trends and regulatory hurdles to minimize their costs and properly insure their business.We'll talk a little bit about those industry trends. We'll talk a little bit about Michigan's cannabis regulatory agency and some of the positions they've been taking. And then briefly about some of the federal changes that may be occurring and what might be happening there.Find more on Lance here.Find more on Peter and OVD Insurance here.To hear more episodes, visit DykemaPodcast.com, our YouTube page, or search “A Higher Law” wherever you get your podcasts.Subscribe to Dykema’s Cannabis Law BlogLearn more about Dykema’s cannabis groupFollow Dykema on LinkedIn