Cannabis, Hemp, Psychedelics
Corporate & Litigation
About Lisa
Most rules don't make sense.
I help navigate through the muddy and contradictory legal waters.
I am the best cannabis lawyer that represents companies and people across the cannabis supply chain on operational, corporate, regulatory, licensing, and litigation issues, such as partnership disputes, breach of contract, and product liability.
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Risk management and mitigation are the name of the game in cautiously scaling a business in an environment of the unknown involving constantly evolving laws and policies.
Keep scrolling to learn more about my experience.
From the inception of the Texas Compassionate Use Act of 2015, I have been advocating for patient access and representing businesses in competitive medical marijuana licensing, investment, corporate structure, contracts, compliance, marketing strategies, FDA labeling guidance, governmental and overall proactive risk prevention strategies to prevent incurring law enforcement or administrative action and lawsuits.
These issues all apply to newly federally legal hemp – cannabis with less than .3% THC (delta 9).
The burgeoning hemp industry is in the crosshairs of federal DEA enforcement at .4% THC, inconsistent state positions on novel psychoactive cannabinoids such as delta 8, delta 10, HHC, and THC-O, some of which were made legal by the 2018 Farm Bill, which was intended to allow interstate commerce and state regulation of industrial hemp and non-psychoactive CBD.
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I spent two years in Colorado under the predecessor 2014 Farm Bill Pilot Program, and thoroughly learned the entire cannabis industry in one of the most mature state legal markets while obtaining my Colorado Bar License. There is no substitute for that in the trenches experience and those networking contacts, which I brought back to Texas to represent Texans and those wanting to invest in Texas and the surrounding Southwestern and Southeastern states. I also assist with investment and participation in international endeavors, and have a network of attorneys in numerous other jurisdictions.
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I worked to help get Texas’ Hemp Act passed in 2019, and in 2020, I was appointed to the Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner’s Industrial Hemp Advisory Council. That year I was also appointed to Rice University’s Baker Institute of Public Policy’s Drug Policy Program as a Non-Resident Fellow. In 2020 I earned the National Law Journal 2020 Trailblazer Award for Cannabis Law, and the Texas Lawyer Trailblazer Award.
In 2021, I was included in the Top 200 Global Best Cannabis Lawyers publication. I Chair the American Bar Association Cannabis Law & Policy Committee for 2021-2022, an outgrowth of my presentation of the ABA’s first marijuana CLE program at its annual meeting in 2017.
In the ABA, I am a Vice-Chair on the Business Litigation, Corporate, and Product Liability Committees. The largest North American association of attorneys, the ABA provides me a network of high caliber attorneys in virtually any location. I am also a member of several leading trade industry associations and sit on the Executive Board of the Texas Hemp Coalition.
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Working in the cannabis and psychedelics industries necessitates daily briefing on international law changes and court and agency decisions in order to digest the context in which these new laws are set within traditional law. My twenty-five year experience in commercial litigation informs me on negotiating contracts avoiding such litigation. I offer outside general counsel services for on call guidance on any of your daily issues. My unique trial and multi-state cannabis industry experience allows me to be an educated and effective mediator and arbitrator.
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From my time working on marijuana and hemp matters, I have curated trusted partners including attorneys in other specialties and locations, insurance brokers, CPAs, banks, and other business professionals who can serve my clients. My goal is to help you succeed, and to be your long-term business partner connecting you to people and information you need to put you in the driver’s seat.
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Click here to view my practice areas and call to schedule a consultation.
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Click here to see my speaking engagements, press, and publications.
Publications
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Cannabis Law Journal, July 4, 2022.
"Bicycle Day," Cannabis Law & Policy Committee Newsletter, American Bar Association, Spring 2022.
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“Cannabis Coverage Issues,” TortSource - Cannabis Law Update, Spring 2022, Vol. 24, N. 3
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“Letter From The Chair,” Cannabis Law & Policy Newsletter, American Bar Association Newsletter, March 2022
"Hemp CBD: What Seniors Should Know,” American Bar Association, June 2021
“Hemp CBD Lawsuits Stayed Pending FDA Regulation,” American Bar Association, June 2021
“NOCO Recap,” Texas Hemp Reporter, May 2021
“Delay in FDA Regulations Pauses Lawsuits Against CBD Companies,” Texas Hemp Reporter, March 2021
“Legal Cannabis in Review 2020,” Tortsource, American Bar Association, March 2021
“Staying CBD Lawsuits Pending FDA Regulation,” Cannabis Law Journal, February 2021
“The Rise of Hemp Litigation and the Primary Jurisdiction Doctrine, Judge’s Journal, American Bar Association, Winter 2021
Attempts To Weed Out Cannabis Businesses Through Civil Rico Lawsuits American Bar Association, The Brief · Sep 2, 2020
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The Cannabis Law & Policy Committee American Bar Association · May 22, 2020
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Meeting Roundup: Midyear Meeting in Austin Meeting Roundup: \American Bar Association, TortSource · May 1, 2020
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Limiting Your Liability - Marijuana Business Magazine · Mar 1, 2020
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“New Laws in Texas for Hemp,” Austin Lawyer, February 1, 2020
“New Frontiers: Hemp Law & Litigation,” Business Litigation Newsletter, American Bar Association, December 19, 2019
“Hemp CBD: What Seniors Should Know,” Senior Law Division Newsletter, American Bar Association, December 18, 2019
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Greed, backstabbing and ‘Frankenstein contracts’ in the hemp landscape:
Q&A with cannabis attorney Lisa Pittman​, December 3, 2019
“Civil RICO & Cannabis Coast to Coast,” Tort Trial Insurance Practice Law Journal,
American Bar Association, Vol. 54-2, Spring 2019
“The Hemp Revolution Will Not be Televised … Yet,” Tort Source,
American Bar Association, December 11, 2018
“Battle of the Bills,” Law Firm Blog Post, August 10, 2018
“Austin Attorney Discovers Greener Pastures,” Austin Lawyer, September 1, 2017
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American Bar Association, July 7, 2017
“Marijuana Business Litigation – Special Considerations,” Business Litigation Committee Newsletter,
American Bar Association, November 1, 2016
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Managing Editor and Author, O’Connor’s Texas and Federal Procedures and Code Books, 2006-2008
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Austin Lawyer, Contributing Editor, 2002-2005
Speaking Engagements
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Cannabis: Medical Benefits for Senior Ailments and a Need for Legislative Change;
American Bar Association Senior Law Division CLE, July 29, 2022
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Legal Update: Smokable Hemp & Delta 8 in Texas;
Texas Hemp Coalition Webinar, July 25, 2022.
Cannabis and Employment Law, Austin Bar Association Labor & Employment Law Section, May 26, 2022, Austin, TX
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Building a Holistic Entheogen Practice –
The Right Way, Cannalaw Summit, May 5, 2022
Developing Cannabis Law, Williamson County Bar Association,
April 29, 2022, Austin, TX
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Cutting Edge Issues in Cannabis Law, American Bar Association,
Tort Trial & Insurance Section Spring Conference, April 28, 2022, Baltimore, MD
Cannabis Hospitality and Tourism, American Bar Association International Law Section Conference, April 27, 2022, Washington, D.C.
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The State of Texas Marijuana Laws, Williamson County Bar Association,
April 19, 2022, Austin, TX
Cannabis Law “Chapter 1 From Ethics to Insurance,” AltaPro Lawyers Risk Purchasing Group, March 30, 2022
Expect the Unexpected, Cannabis Legalization Overview and Insurance Coverage, American Bar Association Business Litigation Conference,
March 25, 2022, Atlanta, GA
Cannabis Banking and Insurance, Hemp and Cannabis Coalition of Costa Rica Business Summit, March 10, 2022, San Jose, Costa Rica
Texas Hemp Program: Legal and Regulatory Overview with Texas Department of Agriculture Hemp Program Manager, March 5, 2022, College Station, TX
Investing in Cannabis a VC Perspective, NIHC Hemp Business Summit,
Nov 15, 2021, Washington, D.C.
The State of Texas Hemp with Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller,
Nov. 6, 2021, Houston, TX
The State of Hemp in Texas with Texas Department of Agriculture Hemp Compliance Manager Randy Rivera, US Hemp Building Summit,
October 29, 2021, Austin, TX
The Evolution of Hemp and Marijuana Law, Tarrant County Bar Association, October 22, 2021, San Antonio, TX
Hemp Industry Daily Forum – Help! My State Just Legalized MJ –
Should I Make the Switch?, MJBizCon, October 19, 2021, Las Vegas, NV
Cannabis Investor Roundtable, The Cannabis Society MSO Growth And Consolidation Conference, September 21, 2021
Insuring Cannabis In Texas, Texas Bar Insurance Law Section,
July 20, 2021, Austin, TX
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Cannabis: 20th Century Highs to 21st Century Wellness,
American Bar Association Senior Lawyer Division, June 30, 2021
How Cannabis Legalization in Mexico Will Impact the Global Landscape, Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, June 4, 2021
Hemp Law & Banking 101, National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors, June 1, 2021
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Texas Law Enforcement Keeps Confiscating Legal Hemp Products,
Dallas Observer, May 28,2021
Lessons From One of the Most Expansive Cannabis-Licensing Frameworks in America, Arcview Group: Town Hall Oklahoma, May 13, 2021
What’s Next for Cannabis & Psychedelics? CannaLawSummit, May 5, 2021
Differentiation in Cannabis Law, CannaLaw Summit, May 6, 2021
The State of Texas Hemp: How We Got There and Where We Are Headed with Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, Lucky Leaf Expo,
May 14, 2021, Austin, TX
Introduction to Cannabis & Hemp Law & Licensing, American Bar Association, April 30, 2021, Nashville, TN
Luck Cannabis Summit, April 27, 2021, Austin, TX
Industrial Supply Chain - What it Takes to Get Hemp to Market,
Willie Nelson & Friends # 39; Luck Cannabis Summit, April 27, 2021, Austin, TX
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Update on Texas Cannabis and Hemp Laws, ATX Health & Wellness Festival, April 24, 2021
Discussion of Texas Hemp Program with Sid Miller, EarthX/HempX,
April 25, 2020 Texas Hemp Law Update, Texas NORML,
April 20, 2020, Austin, TX
Cannabis Kick-Off at SxSW, March 18, 2020, for Texas NORML,
March 18, 2020, Austin TX
Hemp Law for Bank Regulators, National Association of State Credit Unions, March 16, 2020, New Orleans, LA
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Updated on Texas and Federal Hemp Rules, Texans Veterans Outreach,
February 22, 2020, Lubbock, TX
Industrial Hemp: Law, Economics, and Application,
February 27, 2020, Austin, TX
Expert Live Q & A: Texas Hemp Growers, January 11, 2020, McAllen, TX
Expert Live Q & A: HempBizDaily Conference at MJBizCon,
December 10, 2019, Las Vegas, NV
Hemp Hurdles: On the Farm and Off the Farm, HempBizDaily Conference at MJBizCon, December 10, 2019, Las Vegas, NV
Legal Update on Cannabis and Hemp Regulations, to Texas NORML,
November 6, 2019, Austin, TX
Legal Issues for Attorneys Representing Convenience Stores and CBD Retailers, Petroleum Marketing Attorneys’ Meeting – American Bar Association/Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation, October 11, 2019, Houston, TX
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In Legal Limbo, Federal Cannabis Laws At the Crossroads, From Regs to Riches, Navigating the Rapidly Emerging Fields of Cannabis & Hemp Law,
Cannabis Law & Policy Committee—American Bar Association,
September 19, 2019, Chicago, IL
Down on the Farm, The Farm Bills, Hemp, CBD and the FDA, From Regs to Riches, Navigating the Rapidly Emerging Fields of Cannabis & Hemp Law, Cannabis Law & Policy Committee—American Bar Association,
September 19, 2019, Chicago, IL
New Texas Hemp Rules for Texas CBD Retailers, Texas Food & Fuel Association, September 12, 2019, San Antonio, TX
Making the Rules for Hemp, Texas Marijuana Policy Conference,
August 30, 2019, Austin, TX
The Texas Compassionate Use Program:
What is Covered, Who Qualifies, and What’s Changed?
Texas Marijuana Policy Conference, August 30, 2019, Austin, TX
Texas Hemp Compliance, State of Hemp in Texas –
Coastal Bend Region Symposium, August 1, 2019, Corpus Christi, TX
Cannabis and Hemp Laws in Texas and the U.S., Capital Area Paralegals Association, May 29, 2019, Austin, TX
CBD in Texas: A Cash Crop for C-Stores, The Southwest Food & Fuel Association, May 16, 2019, Fort Worth, TX
Current Issues in Cannabis Law & Policy –
The 2014 & 2018 Farm Bills, Hemp & CBD, American Bar Association,
May 3, 2019, New York City, NY
EarthX/HempX, April 27, 2019, Dallas, TX
Evolution of Cannabis and Hemp Law Across the U.S., Boulder Cannabis Group, April 24, 2019, Boulder, CO
State and Federal Hemp Legalities, Texas Hempstalk, March 16, 2019,
Dripping Springs, TX
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The 2018 Farm Bill and What it Means for Texas, Texas NORML’s Cannabis Kickoff SXSW Event, March 13, 2019, Austin, TX
Legalized Possession and Use of Cannabis: A Legal and Ethical Dilemma for Healthcare Organizations; American College of Healthcare Executives at Texas State University, November 9, 2018, San Marcos, TX
Getting Out of the Weeds: What you Need to Know About the New World of Marijuana Regulation, Oklahoma Annual Bar Association Meeting,
November 7, 2018, Tulsa, OK
Cannabis Issues Every Realtor Should Know, May 24, 2018, Boulder, CO
Texas Medical Cannabis Science and Law, April 19, 2018,
Houston Bar Association, Houston, TX
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Legal Discussion: Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine;
Veterinary Cannabis Symposium, November 20, 2017, Denver, CO
Cannabis Industry Insights – The Risk Management and Industry Challenges, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies,
September 25, 2017, Denver, CO
The Trajectory of Marijuana Law and How it Will Affect Your Practice,
American Bar Association Annual Meeting,
August 11, 2017, New York City, NY
Legal Perspectives on Medical Cannabis and Intellectual Property, University of Houston, July 27, 2017, Houston, TX
Ask a Cannabis Lawyer, Southwest Cannabis Conference,
April 22, 2017, Fort Worth, TX
The Status of Texas Cannabis Law, The Hemp & Garden Show,
March 16, 2017, Austin, TX
Federal and State Cannabis Law for Physicians, Healthways Continuing Medical Education, January 7, 2017, Dallas, TX
Texas Cannabis Law, Texas Green Rushers, January 20, 2017, Austin, TX
Texas Marijuana Laws and Interactions with Law Enforcement, Texas Veterans Conference Legal Panel, October 15, 2016, Austin, TX
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Admissions
Texas Bar, 2001
Colorado Bar, 2018
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Court of Colorado
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
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Education
University of Houston Law Center, Juris Doctor, 2001
University of Texas at Austin, Bachelor of Arts English/Psychology/Spanish, 1997
Professional Affiliations
Psychedelic Bar Association, Founding Member 2022 - Present
Non-resident Fellow, Rice University Baker Institute for Public Policy, Drug Policy Program 2020 – Present
Appointee, Texas Department of Agriculture Industrial Hemp Advisory Council. 2020 – Present
Member, The American Bar Association – Tort, Trial & Insurance Practice Section
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Chair, Cannabis Law & Policy Committee, 2021 – Present
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Vice-Chair, Product Liability Committee, 2015 – Present
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Vice-Chair, Corporate Counsel Committee, 2015 – Present
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Vice-Chair, Business Litigation Committee, 2012 – Present
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Author, Editor, Tort, Trial & Insurance Practice Law Journal, 2006 – Present
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Member, Travis County Women Lawyers Association, 2002 – Present
Member, The Texas Bar Association, 2001 – Present
Member, College of the State Bar of Texas, 2009—Present
Member, The Austin Bar Association, 2002 – Present
Member, The Colorado Bar Association, 2018 – Present
Member, International Cannabis Bar Association, Amicus Committee, 2021
Member, National Cannabis Industry Association , Hemp Committee, 2021
Member, U.S. Hemp Builders Association
Executive Board Member, Texas Hemp Coalition
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Leadership Honors
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Acquisition International Most Influential Woman in Cannabis & Hemp Business Legal Support Services (USA) 2022
Chair, American Bar Association Cannabis Law & Policy Committee 2021-2022
Executive Board Member, Texas Hemp Coalition, 2022 - Present
Acquisition International Global Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers, 2020 - Present
National Law Journal Trailblazer Award for Cannabis Law 2020
Texas Lawyer Trailblazer Award, 2020
Rice University Baker Institute of Public Policy Drug Policy Program, Non-Resident Fellow, 2020 – Present
Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner’s Industrial Hemp Advisory Council, 2020 - Present
Leadership Austin, Essential Class of 2017
Austin Bar Association Leadership Academy Class of 2016
American Bar Association Leadership Academy Class of 2014-2015
40 Under 40 Finalist, Houston Business Journal 2013
Executive Moms Society, Founder, President 2012-2014