Laura A. Bianchi, Co-Founding Partner of Bianchi & Brandt – Interview Series

While some wouldn’t immediately associate Arizona with a hotspot for the cannabis industry and reform, you’d be surprised at how forward-thinking the Grand Canyon State is on cannabis. Besides passing a medical cannabis law all the way back in 2010, the Arizona cannabis industry has become a billion-dollar industry. One of the lawyers instrumental in the passage of the 2010 bill and now one of the foremost experts on the many complex facets of Arizona cannabis law is Laura A. Bianchi, Co-Founding Partner of Bianchi & Brandt.

Prior to cannabis law, what fields of law did you study at the Vermont Law and Graduate School, and what fields of law did you want to practice?

Before entering cannabis law, I focused on corporate and business law. I was interested in working with entrepreneurs and business owners, helping them structure and grow their companies. I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving and strategic planning, so it made sense for me to explore areas where I could support clients through the challenges and opportunities of building a business. Cannabis just happened to be the unexpected and exciting avenue where all those skills came into play.

As someone who witnessed the passing of the 2010 medical cannabis bill in Arizona, what opposition was there to the bill, and what concerns did Arizona citizens have at first?

When the bill first passed, there was a lot of hesitation, both from the public and within the legal and political systems. The state-versus-federal law conflict made people nervous, especially professionals who weren’t sure what lines they’d be crossing. There was also a lot of stigma around cannabis in general. People were concerned it would increase crime or be abused. But what I saw was a huge opportunity to build a legitimate, well-regulated industry that could offer real value to patients, and I wanted to be part of shaping that foundation responsibly.

How would you describe the first few years of practicing cannabis law in Arizona? In those years before recreational cannabis became legal, what were the regular needs of your clients during the medical-only years?

The early years were all about navigating the unknown. There were no clear precedents, and the rules were constantly evolving. I immersed myself in the rule-making process with the Arizona Department of Health Services and helped clients submit their license applications. Once licenses were awarded, my focus shifted to helping them get operational, building out compliance systems, negotiating contracts, and guiding business strategy. It was a very hands-on time, with clients needing support in every corner of their business, especially in compliance and daily operations.

During the years that you served as Co-Chair of the Phoenix chapter of Women Grow, what were the most crucial lessons and facts that you learned about the Arizona cannabis industry?

Serving as Co-Chair gave me deeper insight into just how tight-knit and resilient the Arizona cannabis community is. One of the biggest takeaways was the importance of collaboration and shared knowledge. Everyone was learning as we went — from regulators to operators, and the ability to build networks, share resources, and support
each other was crucial. I also saw how vital it was to have women in leadership roles, shaping an industry built from the ground up. The experience reinforced just how much leadership and mentorship matter in a new and evolving space.

Did a medical-only market change or limit your duties as an attorney, and how many more work opportunities were you given when Proposition 207 in 2020? How did the needs of your clients change or expand when recreational cannabis became legal?

The medical-only market required a very specific skill set, mainly focused on compliance, license structuring, and patient-focused operations. But when Proposition 207 passed, everything changed. The opportunities expanded dramatically: M&A activity increased, corporate structures became more complex, and the need for sophisticated operational guidance skyrocketed. Clients needed more support in branding, marketing compliance, expansion strategy, and litigation. It was a massive shift that required us to evolve quickly to meet broader and more dynamic client needs.

What inspired you to co-found your own cannabis law firm, and what were the most important lessons you learned during the process of creating the firm?

I’ve always had a drive to do things differently and more efficiently. Starting Bianchi & Brandt with my partner, Justin, was about building a firm that didn’t just follow the traditional legal model; we wanted to be strategic partners to our clients. One of my biggest lessons is that there’s no substitute for hard work, risk-taking, and trust in your vision. Creating the firm taught me the importance of adaptability and building a team that shares your values. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been gratifying.

What would you say are the biggest accomplishments and recognition that you and the firm have received? The list of publications that you’ve been featured in is quite extensive.

Being recognized as one of the “Top 100 Attorneys in Arizona” and one of the “30 Most Powerful Women in Arizona Cannabis” has been incredibly meaningful. Our work has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, Benzinga, and countless cannabis industry outlets, which speaks to our impact. But beyond the media, I’m most proud of our clients’ trust in us and the firm we’ve built. Our reputation for strategic thinking, integrity, and execution is something we’ve worked hard to earn. That, more than any headline, is our greatest accomplishment.

Based on your experience and your clients, what are the most frequently occurring problems that your clients in the Arizona cannabis industry have to deal with? Also, what are usually the most common reasons that your clients seek legal representation to begin with?

The biggest ongoing issues revolve around compliance, operational consistency, and managing growth in a high-stakes, highly regulated environment. Many clients come to us for help because they’re overwhelmed — whether it’s with licensing, structuring deals, scaling, or dealing with internal conflicts. They want a legal partner to help them see around corners and avoid pitfalls. Our job is to be that steady presence, not just solving problems, but helping them prevent them in the first place.

Thank you for joining us, Laura! For more information on Bianchi Brandt, please visit its website.