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.
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- 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
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Bar Admissions
- Michigan, 2015
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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
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Recognized by Law 360 as a Cannabis Rising Star, 2023
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Named a “Trailblazer” for Cannabis Law by The National Law Journal, 2022
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Recognized by Super Lawyers® as a Rising Star for Cannabis Law; Appellate, 2020-Present
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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
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Recognized by the Cannabis Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan as a Pioneer in the area of marijuana law, 2018
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- State Bar of Michigan
- Ingham County Bar Association
- American Bar Association
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State Bar of Michigan, Cannabis Law Section
- International Cannabis Bar Association
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- 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
"Ann Arbor marijuana company secures $16M investment, expands to 5th state"
John Fraser was quoted in the Crain's Detroit Business article, "Ann Arbor marijuana company secures…
When the DEA proposed a reclassification of marijuana from a Schedule I substance to a Schedule III…
Even When Section 280E No Longer Applies to Cannabis Businesses, Another Tax Problem Will Remain
Much has been written over the last week about the recommendation by Attorney General Merrick…
