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Well, 2024 flew by!
This year has been one of growth, impact, and dedication for RZA Legal as we continue to champion small businesses, social equity, and emerging industries. From mentoring future legal professionals to shaping policy in cannabis and natural medicine law, our team remains committed to empowering clients, advancing equity, and strengthening communities. We’re proud to share the milestones we’ve achieved this year - whether through education, advocacy, or direct legal support - and we look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights that made 2024 a standout year for RZA Legal:
Honored by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star for the third year in a row
Rachael’s consistent, professional excellence was recognized again in 2024, as she was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star for the third consecutive year - an honor awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys in Colorado. This accolade reflects her dedication to clients, expertise in her field, and unwavering commitment to justice. In February 2024, Super Lawyers published an article, Still Rolling, where Rachael reflects on the ups and downs of the business of legal cannabis ten years after adult-use cannabis businesses first opened in Colorado.
Developed and Presented Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Programs
Education remains a cornerstone of our work. This year, Rachael led numerous CLEs, sharing expertise on the latest developments in cannabis and natural medicine law and policy, and professional ethics. These sessions include:
The Practical Lawyer CLE Series: We Came to Party: How Legal ARE Weed and Shrooms in Colorado? (also presented live at the First Annual Colorado WOLF Retreat in Breckenridge, CO)
Continued Focus on Supporting Social Equity in Cannabis
RZA Legal helped multiple social equity licensees secure grants through the Colorado Cannabis Business Office, continuing our dedication to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs. To date, we have successfully assisted clients in securing over $200,000 in grant funding to advance their businesses.
Rachael was accepted by the Colorado Cannabis Business Office as an expert for compliance services in the Access to Experts Technical Assistance Program. As a state vendor, I provided multiple social equity businesses with compliant Standard Operating Procedures at no cost to the licensee.
In partnership with BIPOCANN and the Colorado Cannabis Business Office, Rachael provided time and guidance to one of the program’s social equity grant winners - another women-owned business - to support her in continuing to build a successful and sustainable business.
In February 2024, Rachael served as a subject matter expert panelist for BIPOCANN's 2024 Mentorship Program Business Foundations Webinar, providing guidance to cannabis social equity business grant recipients on legal strategies and compliance.
In April 2024, RZA Legal attended the BIPOCANN Social Equity Vendor Day which showcased grant-winning social equity cannabis businesses including Bachaz, Canna Cabana Bus, C’Est La Vie Coffee, Better Days Delivery, Queen Mary Brands, Grassberries Fine Cannabis, and more. RZA Legal is a proud Ally and member of BIPOCANN and looks forward to more collaborations in 2025 and beyond.
In June 2024, Rachael attended the Minority Cannabis Business Association’s Equity Tour in Denver which connected policymakers, advocates, and business leaders working toward more inclusive opportunities. We look forward to attending in 2025!
Served as Program Moderator at the Colorado Cannabis Arbitration Summit
Rachael moderated two panels featuring distinguished mediators, arbitrators, and litigators. These discussions provided valuable insights and dialogue on dispute resolution issues facing the cannabis industry, best practices, compliance challenges, as well as the resources available when cannabis business clients are facing a dispute and wish to resolve it outside of court.
Expanded legal service offerings
While RZA Legal was founded in Denver, Rachael lives in Fort Collins and Brian lives in Grand Lake. Over the years we have served small business clients across Colorado, predominantly in the cannabis industry. In 2024, we decided to expand our reach beyond the cannabis industry.
We are proud to also serve neighbors and local businesses in Grand County, Northern Colorado and across the state with business and legal guidance including buying and selling businesses and commercial assets, commercial and residential real estate matters such as easements, land use, zoning matters, commercial leasing and transactions, estate planning, and more. We tap our deep well of experience handling highly-regulated marijuana businesses to benefit other regulated businesses, especially those with business licenses such as food and beverage, liquor, and natural medicine.
Participated in rule-making hearings Colorado cannabis and natural medicine
We remain active participants in Colorado’s regulatory processes, attending rule-making hearings and meetings focused on cannabis and natural medicine regulation. By engaging directly with policymakers, we ensure the common sense interests of small, independent businesses and diverse stakeholders are represented and contribute to the development of fair, practical regulations.
Advocated for common sense local cannabis laws in Colorado municipalities
Promoting responsible cannabis regulations at the local level remained a priority this year. RZA Legal attorneys Rachael Ardanuy and Brian Blumenfeld provided input to local leaders on cannabis issues across Colorado, working to advance policies that promote equity, access, and business opportunity.
Mentored 150+ DU Law students through the DU Legal Externship Program
RZA Legal remains committed to shaping the future of the legal profession by serving as a mentor and advisor to aspiring attorneys. This year, through the University of Denver Sturm School of Law Legal Externship Program, Professor Rachael Ardanuy guided over 150 law students in navigating meaningful externship experiences at private law firms and federal and state governmental agencies. By offering support and insights into the legal profession, she helps students maximize professional experiences in the early stages of their professional development, setting them on a path to success.
Hosted 2 undergraduate, Pre-Law Interns from Colorado State University
Our firm hosted two undergraduate pre-law interns from Colorado State University, offering them mentorship and exposure to the legal profession. Through hands-on projects and professional development, these students gained a clearer understanding of the role lawyers play in shaping industries and communities.
Leadership Roles at the Colorado Bar Association (CBA)
Rachael finished her tenure as Chair of the Cannabis Law Section of the CBA, and took on different leadership on the Executive Council of the Natural Medicine Committee. This position allows RZA Legal to regularly collaborate with other legal professionals on issues facing the legal landscape surrounding natural medicine in Colorado.
Continued involvement with the CBA’s Social Equity Pro Bono Program, providing critical legal guidance to cannabis social equity applicants. This work ensures equitable access to legal support for historically underserved entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry.
Published in the July issue of Colorado Lawyer Magazine
In July 2024, Rachael’s expertise was featured in Colorado Lawyer Magazine where she co-authored the article, Colorado’s Bold Move to Legalize Psychedelics, analyzing Colorado’s psychedelics legalization under the Natural Medicine Health Act. This publication highlights RZA Legal’s thought leadership and commitment to guiding entrepreneurs and legal professionals in emerging areas. We are so excited to be at the forefront of the new developments in the natural medicine legal world, helping shape this emerging industry.
Leading the Way in Colorado's Natural Medicine Regulations
At RZA Legal, we have been closely tracking the evolving landscape of Natural Medicine in Colorado. This year, we authored some of the first blogs interpreting the rapidly changing regulatory framework surrounding legal psychedelics, including “Planning on Opening a Licensed Colorado Psychedelics Business?” and a detailed blog on becoming a licensed Natural Medicine Facilitator. We are thrilled to be at the forefront of these groundbreaking developments, providing valuable insights to help businesses navigate this emerging legal space with confidence and clarity.
Assisted Clients Across the Life Cycle of a Business
In 2024, we helped our clients across the business lifecycle: form new businesses; buy dispensaries and cultivation facilities; apply for and win limited licenses and grants; open the first cannabis business in their communities; receive hemp manufacturer and cultivator registrations and permits, sell business licenses, close down operations; move into other state legal markets; buy, sell, and lease commercial real estate; negotiate with HOAs, transfer liquor licenses; modify licensed premises; stay compliant with guidance and standard operating procedures; defend against regulatory violations; navigate commercial relationships and dispute; win needs and desires hearings; establish business succession and estate plans; and more.
As we close out 2024, we are immensely proud of the impact RZA Legal has made across legal and business communities. Whether through empowering small business owners, advancing equity for underrepresented entrepreneurs, or guiding the emerging industries of cannabis and natural medicine, our work reflects our unwavering dedication to justice, innovation, and community growth.
Looking ahead to 2025, we remain committed to shaping a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable legal landscape. From mentoring future legal leaders to advocating for responsible policies and supporting our clients’ success, RZA Legal will continue to lead with purpose, expertise, and integrity.
Thank you to our clients, partners, and community for trusting us and joining us on this journey. Together, we’ll keep building brighter futures for businesses, professionals, and communities across Colorado and beyond. Here’s to an even greater 2025!
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