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Aaron A. Pelley

Aaron A. Pelley

Helping a Select Group of Growers, Processors and Retailers Build a Legacy
  • Cannabis & Marijuana Law
  • Washington
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Client Reviews
Cristian P. June 20, 2024
Efficient, communicative, and professional Exceptional lawyer and was instrumental in resolving an intellectual property dispute. Aaron made the process a breeze. Communication was fantastic and his knowledge of the situation instilled confidence and comfortability throughout. I can’t thank him enough!
Gloria B. May 9, 2023
Do not own a cannabis business without Aaron Pelley on your team Aaron Pelley and his experienced team at Cultiva Law are simply the best of the best in the legal cannabis industry. As a cannabis business owner in this highly complex, competitive, fast moving and regulated industry, I rely on Aaron’s expertise, experience, ethics, drive, brilliant legal mind, responsiveness and commitment to his clients to provide the best legal counsel day or night. You will never regret partnering with Aaron and his team.
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Biography

Aaron Pelley is award winning in both his achievements as a lawyer, and advocate of cannabis business for over a decade. Having made sizable contributions to the foundation of legal protections surrounding medicinal cannabis law, his passion in this new realm of law drove him forward. His law firm lies on the pulse of current cannabis law.

He has been invited to speak at Legal Education Seminars and Cannabis Conferences throughout the world and has been repeatedly named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers and a Top Cannabis Attorney by multiple publications. Aaron is personally and professionally passionate about advancing the interests of a legitimate and integrous cannabis industry, establishing and enforcing equitable relationships among business partners, and supporting and promoting the end of the war on cannabis. Attorney Pelley will greet any challenge you present to him with open arms.

Practice Area
Cannabis & Marijuana Law
Marijuana Business Formation, Medical Marijuana
Video Conferencing
  • Google Meet
  • Zoom
  • Microsoft Teams
Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Washington
Washington State Bar Association
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Spanish: Spoken
Professional Experience
Partner
Harris Sliwoski
- Current
Managing Partner
Cultiva Law, PLLC
-
Managing Partner
7 Point Law, PLLC
-
Owner
Pelley Law, PLLC
-
Education
Willamette University College of Law
J.D. (2005) | Law
Willamette University College of Law Logo
Willamette University
B.A. (2003) | Psychology, Political Science
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Awards
Elite Lawyer
ELITE LAWYER
2018 - 2025
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
National Trial Lawyers Association
2014-2024
America's Top 50 Lawyers
America's Top 50 Lawyers
Top Lawyer
Lawyer Legion
Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers
Cannabis Law Review
2021-2024
Super Lawyer
Super Lawyer
2020-2024
Top 200 Psychedelic Lawyers
Psychedelic Law Review
2023 - 2024
Top 10 Best Cannabis Business Lawyers in 2022
MJ SEO Agency
Super Lawyer
Thomspson West
Super Lawyer
Thompson West
Cannabis Law Review
Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers
Top Cannabis Trial Lawyers
MG Magazine
Rising Star
Thompson West
Top Lawyer
Metropolitan Magazine
Rising Star
Super Lawyers
Rising Star
Super Lawyers
Top Attorneys in Washington
Seattle Metropolitan Magazine
Top Attorneys
Metropolitan Magazine
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation
Washington State Bar Association
2008-2011
Professional Associations
National Cannabis Bar Association
Member
Current
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National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)
Member
Current
Activities: Legal Committee
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Washington State Bar Association
Member
Current
Activities: Cannabis Law Section
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American Bar Association
Member
Current
Activities: Advisory Panel
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International Cannabis Bar Association
Member
Current
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Publications
Articles & Publications
30 Powerful Cannabis Attorneys You Should Know
MG Retailer
Impacts of Legalized Marijuana on Firearms Rights
State Bar Association
Law With an Apple
American Bar Association GP Solo: Law Trends and News
Up in Smoke? Marijuana Law
Bar Association Litigation News
Speaking Engagements
California Cannabis Litigation
myLawCLE Presentation
Marijuana Rescheduling: Implications for Washington's Cannabis Industry, Cannabis Law Section
Washington State Bar Association
Unpacking the Future: Insights into Emerging Cannabis Markets, MyCPE, Online
MyCPE
Building Your Cannabis Brand, Lucky Leaf Expo (Minneapolis)
National & State Overview of Cannabis Industry, Minneapolis Crash Course Sessions
Psychedelics – Legislation, Regulation, Practicalities & The Law, National Interdisciplinary Cannabis Symposium CLE
Insights from Cannabis Lawyers, National Interdisciplinary Cannabis Symposium CLAS Student Panel
Cannabis Regulations: Overview of the State Regulations and Requirements for Licensing, CannaLaw Summit
Inside Practice
Litigation Trends and Product Liability
National Business Institute
Administrative Law Oversight in Cannabis, Conference Forum
Bellingham Forum Festival
State of the US Cannabis Industry, Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers
Cannabis Law Review
Cannalaw Summit - Interstate Commerce, Cannalaw Summit, Online CLE
Inside Practice
MyLaw CLE - Cannabis Law Updates, MyLaw CLE
Federal CLE
The Legalization Landscape | Regulatory Compliance & Licensing, Marijuana Business Law 2021
National Business Institute
Recreational Marijuana Business Law, Federal Responses to Marijuana Law
NBI
Cannabis Genetics and the Current Legal Landscape, Indoor Agricultural Conference, Las Vegas, NV
K&L Gates Event, Investing in Cannabis, K&L Gates
CAIA Association
Marijuana Law - A Comprehensive Overview, How Did We Get Here? Overview of Initiative I-502
KCBA
Branding for Retailers in the Cannabis Industry, National Marijuana Retail & Dispensary Expo
US v. Oregon: Examining the Role of Federalism Under the Trump Administration, Law Review Symposium
International Cannabis Business Conference, The ABCs of CBDs
ICBA
The Legalized Marijuana Industry and its Impact on Industrial Real Estate, Urban Land Institute Spring Meeting
Navigating Cannabis Laws, Seattle Canna Con
Recreational Marijuana Business Law, Obtaining a Cannabis Business License
NBI
Intellectual Property Litigation, MJBA Business Bootcamp
Brand Creation, Differentiation & Leadership, Cannabis Grand Cru
Developing an Effective Business Strategy, 3rd Annual Cannabis Collaborative Conference
Legal Hurdles, Managing Risk, Lessons Learning from Others Mistakes, & Protecting your Tribe, The Third Native American Cannabis Conference
Compliance Law Review, The Best In Marijuana Design & Packaging 2016
Advising Cannabis Business, Weed Week PDX
Compliance Law Review, The Best In Marijuana Design & Packaging 2016
Medical & Recreational Cannabis, Cannabis Litigation
Websites & Blogs
Website
Cannabis Business Lawyer
Blog
Canna Law Blog™
Legal Answers
9 Questions Answered
Q. Is marijuana in a recreationally legal state considered illegal if probation states no illegal drugs allowed?
A: Short answer, no. Unfortunately, the legislature has specifically decided that people who have committed crimes do not deserve one of the safest drugs that is available for treating a number of medical conditions. The provision for medical cannabis specifically calls it out by saying, " Nothing in this chapter diminishes the authority of correctional agencies and departments, including local governments or jails, to establish a procedure for determining when the use of cannabis would impact community safety or the effective supervision of those on active supervision for a criminal conviction, nor does it create the right to any accommodation of any medical use of cannabis in any correctional facility or jail." So even if you were using this for cancer treatment or epilepsy, they can, and oftentimes will, specifically deny your ability to use. Although many have called out this ridiculous position, it is hard to get people to rally around the changes laws to help those convicted of a crime.

With regards to recreational use, since it is "legal" in this state, also does not prevent them from restricting your use. As with many probationers, possession of firearms or consumption of alcohol is also legal. It is still restricted under many interstate compacts and will not be allowed.
... Read More
Q. Do I need a permit to sell cannabis out a vending machine or does the location where machine will be need the permit?
A: I think there are a few states that a vending machine could work. However, in most states, recreational or medical, regulations favor that a human check the customers I.D. (for recreational use) or their authorization to use cannabis (medical use) and confirm the person purchasing the product is the same one providing the identification. In addition, the machine will likely have to integrate with the store's point of sale. This, coupled with the limited capacity, could make vending machines prohibitively expensive. But, to answer your question, you would likely be selling to stores, who have a license. You do not need the license to sell the machine. The question to consider is, what state are you selling the machine to and can you make a compliant vending machine. ... Read More
Q. In a state where cannabis is legal is it legal to mail THC vape cartridges to another state where cannabis is legal?
A: It is still Federally illegal to ship cannabis or transport it across state lines. Or possess cannabis. Or anything with cannabis. Still all federally illegal. All of it.

The reason this is more of a problem is because you are would be using a Federal service (United States Post Office) to do it. They don't like that. So at best it gets seized. At worst, you get a cranky Postmaster General that sends the seizure to the local Feds. From there, all kinds of problems. Even if you send it via private services (like Fed Ex), they all cooperate and information share with the Postmaster. So it will still get seized and even though prosecution is not always likely, it is still possible. My guess is that they are seizing hundreds of pounds a day. But you don't want to be the one they make an example of.

Another fun fact, make sure when you decide it is safer to drive the vape cartridge over to your friend, you don't end up on a Federal Highway. They are all over the U.S. and policed by Federal Park Rangers. Unlike the Postmasters, that probably have better things to do, Park Rangers love pulling people over on Federal Highways, in states where cannabis is legal, and give them possession tickets.
... Read More
View More Answers
Contact & Map
Cultiva Law
2510 Western Ave
Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98121
Toll-Free: (888) 896-3313
Telephone: (206) 480-1600
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 1 PM
Sunday: Closed
Cultiva Law
Los Angeles Office
700 S. Flower St, Suite 1000
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Telephone: (213) 306-6800
Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 1 PM
Sunday: Closed
Cultiva Law
San Francisco Office
877 Bryant St Suite 300
San Francisco, CA 94103
Telephone: (628) 204-1100
Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: 10 AM - 1 PM
Sunday: Closed
Cultiva Law
Portland Office
11 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
Suite 420
Portland, OR 97232
Telephone: (503) 446-3640
Monday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Cultiva Law
Las Vegas Office
6605 Grand Montecito Pkwy
Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89149
Toll-Free: (888) 896-3313
Telephone: (702) 820-0911
Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 AM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: 9 AM - 1 PM
Sunday: Closed
Cultiva Law
Minneapolis Office
8500 Normandale Lake Blvd.
Suite 350
Bloomington, MN 55437
Telephone: (612) 614-2299
Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Friday: 10 AM - 1 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
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