Illinois Cannabis Lawyer
Thomas E. Howard, JD
Thomas E. Howard is an Illinois cannabis lawyer based in Peoria and Chicago, serving operators statewide on licensing, M&A, compliance, and disputes. A Managing Attorney at Howard Law Group and Managing Director at Collateral Base, Thomas brings 15+ years in commercial law and regulated-industry work to cannabis businesses that need fast, compliant, and ROI-minded counsel.
Why work with an Illinois cannabis lawyer now
Illinois rules change, enforcement tightens, and local zoning still decides deals. Thomas helps founders and investors move from interest to implementation—scoping license paths, winning administrative appeals, navigating MIPA earn-outs, and papering transactions that survive diligence.
Thomas Howard — experience that moves the needle
Licensing & Amendments: Guided winning applications and change-of-ownership/restructuring across Illinois and other states (CT, NJ, NM, MD, MO, MN, IL, DE, KY, NY).
Disputes & Appeals: Administrative wins and litigation on MIPA earn-outs, ownership disputes, contract breaches, and agency actions.
M&A & Capital: Asset/member interest deals, valuation support, escrow mechanics, reps/warranties, and integrations.
Banking & Compliance: Policy/SOP design, 280E-aware structuring with tax advisors, and regulator-ready documentation.
Credentials that matter to regulators and counterparties
Chair (2023), ISBA Cannabis Law Section Council
Certified Ganjier
NORML Legal Committee
Recognitions: Super Lawyers, Leading Lawyers, Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers (Cannabis Law Report)
Securities background: formerly Series 7 & 66
Education: Marquette University Law School, J.D. (2008)
Admissions (primary focus: Illinois)
Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri; U.S. District Courts in Illinois; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Media & education
Host of Cannabis Legalization News (YouTube), publishing weekly updates on Illinois cannabis law, banking, and federal developments.
Practice coverage (Illinois)
License applications, renewals, ownership changes
Administrative appeals and agency negotiations
M&A (asset and equity), reorganizations, and earn-outs
Compliance programs, SOPs, and employee training
Litigation strategy and dispute resolution
Need counsel from an Illinois, or Missouri cannabis lawyer? Book a consultation—Thomas will scope your facts, your timeline, and an action plan that protects cash flow and closes.
Talk with Illinois Cannabis Lawyer Thomas Howard
- Licensed in Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin
- Won Dispensaries & Grows in Illinois.
- Won Dispensaries in Missouri.
- Assisted with client getting a CAURD license in New York.
- Numerous New Mexico licenses.
- Won Grow in Connecticut.
- Helped win licenses in Maryland.
- Obtained New Jersey Licenses for clients.
- Assisted in buying and selling licenses in Illinois.
- Helped with Hemp compliance issues nationwide.
Our cannabis Attorneys Business Network
Thomas Howard is a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in the Illinois cannabis industry. He has been instrumental in securing multiple dispensary and cultivation licenses for clients, guiding them through the complex regulatory landscape. His expertise extends to the strategic sale of these licenses, maximizing client returns by leveraging real estate assets in high-demand areas.
Thomas has also successfully defended numerous cannabis companies in Illinois, navigating legal challenges related to contracts and license applications. His litigation skills and deep understanding of the industry have made him a go-to resource for businesses facing regulatory hurdles or disputes.
By combining his legal acumen with a deep knowledge of the cannabis market, Thomas continues to be a leader in helping Illinois businesses thrive in this emerging sector.
Client Testimonials