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John W. Fraser

Member

With an ever-increasing complex set of state and local regulatory requirements coupled with conflicting federal and state laws, John provides cannabis businesses with the regulatory guidance and counsel they need to secure and maintain licensure. John has organized, guided, and secured state and local licensure for dozens of cannabis businesses of all sizes and types throughout Michigan. From initial applications at the state and municipal levels through licensure and beyond, John provides counsel on ensuring and maintaining regulatory compliance for cannabis businesses of all sizes.

As the Michigan Team Leader of Dykema’s Cannabis Practice, John often serves as the legal “quarterback” for a cannabis business’s myriad of issues as part of a multidisciplinary legal team. Whether it’s providing rapid feedback on an emerging legal issue or negotiating a multi-million dollar cannabis brand licensing agreement, John provides effective leadership and counsel so that clients can conduct their business effectively, efficiently, and—most importantly—in compliance with applicable laws.

John’s knowledge and expertise in the field of Michigan cannabis law has been recognized by his peers and colleagues. He previously served as the Chairperson of the Cannabis Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. In addition, John is an adjunct professor of law at Cooley Law School where he teaches a course on Michigan Marijuana and the Law. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers as Rising Star in the fields of Cannabis Law and Appellate Law since 2020. He also regularly lectures and presents on cannabis law topics to attorneys and the community.

In addition to his cannabis experience, John has litigated cases in state and federal trial courts throughout Michigan and has argued cases before the Michigan Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court. John’s litigation skills have been recognized by his peers, as he was named a Top 5 Lawyer Under 35 by the Ingham County Bar Association and was recognized as a Pioneer by the State Bar of Michigan’s Cannabis Law Section for his efforts in the published Michigan Court of Appeals opinion in People v. Manuel. John’s unique combination of regulatory and litigation experience allows him to provide clients with creative and effective solutions to complicated problems.

During law school, John served as a Managing Editor of the Michigan State Law Review, was published in the University of Florida Journal of Law & Public Policy, and received jurisprudence achievement awards for receiving the top grade in his class on ten separate occasions. He graduated from Michigan State University College of Law, summa cum laude, with a 4.0 GPA, ranked first in his class.

      • Michigan State University College of Law, J.D., summa cum laude, 2015, 4.0 GPA , Jurisprudence Achievement Awards [Highest Grade] in Mortgages, Law & Interpretation, Federal Jurisdiction, Antitrust Law, Copyright Law, Constitutional Law II, Equity, Property, Contracts, and Research, Writing & Analysis, Michigan State Law Review, Managing Editor
      • Central Michigan University, B.S., cum laude, 2011, Philosophy and Political Science

  • Bar Admissions

    • Michigan, 2015

  • Court Admissions

    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
    • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
    • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
    • U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
    • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana

    • Named to Best Lawyers’ “Ones to Watch” list

        • Government Relations Practice, 2025 and 2026

    • Recognized by The Legal 500 United States as a Key Lawyer for Cannabis Law, 2025

    • Named to Cannabis Law Report's "Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers" 2025

    • Recognized in Michigan Super Lawyers® as a Rising Star for Cannabis Law; Appellate, 2020-2025

    • Recognized by Law 360 as a Cannabis Rising Star, 2023

    • Named a “Trailblazer” for Cannabis Law by The National Law Journal, 2022

    • Served as Chairperson of the State Bar of Michigan Cannabis Law Section, 2020-2021

    • Recognized by the Ingham County Bar Association as a Top 5 Lawyer Under 35, March 2018

    • Recognized by the Cannabis Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan as a Pioneer in the area of Marijuana Law, 2018

    • State Bar of Michigan
    • Ingham County Bar Association
    • American Bar Association

    • State Bar of Michigan, Cannabis Law Section

    • International Cannabis Bar Association
    • Volunteer Judge – 1L RWA Oral Arguments, Michigan State University College of Law (2016-present).
    • Volunteer Judge – Moot Court Class Oral Advocacy Competition, Michigan State University College of Law (2015-present).
    • National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Team Captain of Team Fraser for Walk MS Lansing (2013-Present).
    • Featured Professor on Marijuana Law – People’s Law School

Contact

Lansing517-374-9140

Latest News and Insights

Speaking Engagements10.9.25

Boldrey, Fraser, and Gelbord to Speak at the Cannabis Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan's 10th Annual Cannabis Law Conference

Lance Boldrey, John Fraser, and Brett Gelbord will each serve as featured speakers at the Cannabis…

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Blog Posts10.3.25

Michigan Cannabis Tax Passes: Numbers

At 3:00 a.m. on October 3, 2025, Michigan’s Legislature passed a 24% wholesale tax on legal…

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Blog Posts10.1.25

The Real Impact of Michigan’s New Wholesale Marijuana Tax

Takeaways After failing to enact annual appropriations bills by the start of the new fiscal year,…

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