Craig Small

Craig’s practice focuses on complex mergers and acquisitions, multi-state regulatory compliance, licensing, intellectual property protection, corporate transactions, and strategic business counseling. He regularly represents cannabis operators, investors, manufacturers, and ancillary businesses in matters involving acquisitions, expansion strategies, product commercialization, and operational risk management. His work frequently spans multiple jurisdictions and requires navigating the intersection of state cannabis laws, federal regulatory frameworks, and emerging industry policy developments.

A significant portion of Craig’s practice involves advising clients on sophisticated compliance matters related to hemp-derived cannabinoid products, including multi-state analyses involving formulation, packaging, labeling, marketing, and distribution compliance. He also counsels clients on high-level regulatory matters involving cannabis licensing and federal enforcement considerations, including advising state-licensed medical marijuana businesses pursuing DEA registration eligibility strategies.

Craig has substantial experience handling high-value cannabis transactions and business disputes. He recently assisted on a high-value acquisition involving an Arizona cannabis operator and regularly advises clients through transactions involving cultivation, manufacturing, retail, and ancillary cannabis businesses. He also represents cannabis companies in complex operational and commercial disputes, including matters involving contaminated products, contractual conflicts, and regulatory exposure.

In addition to his transactional and regulatory work, Craig advises clients on a broad range of ancillary legal issues affecting cannabis businesses, including real estate transactions, labor and employment matters, intellectual property strategy, and litigation. Craig also represents clients in the hospitality and food and beverage industries, advising restaurants, hotels, breweries, and related operators on liquor licensing, regulatory compliance, supply and distribution agreements, mergers and acquisitions, and day-to-day transactional matters that arise in these highly regulated and competitive sectors. His practical, business-oriented approach allows him to help clients manage risk while positioning their companies for long-term growth in one of the nation’s most highly regulated industries.

Craig is an increasingly visible leader within the cannabis industry and a frequent speaker, moderator, and commentator on cannabis and hemp law developments. He has been recognized as a Top 200 Cannabis Lawyer by Cannabis Law Report & Cannabis Law Journal for three consecutive years and is regularly featured in industry publications and conference programming. He also played a leadership role in helping position Clark Hill among the Top 10 Cannabis Law Firms in Arizona, as recognized by AZ Big Media.