Franchising is an emerging issue for operators in the cannabis industry, both for companies that voluntary adopt the franchise model to expand their business, and for those who may find they have become an “accidental franchise.”

Light bulb symbol composed of cannabis, illustrating concept of cannabis-related patents

Fox Rothschild attorneys Eleanor Vaida Gerhards and Matthew R. Kittay have authored a primer that explores both ends of this spectrum, outlining the benefits of the franchise model for cannabis operators as well as strategies to avoid falling into the accidental or inadvertent franchise trap. To learn more, check out Cannabis Franchising: Opportunities and Legal Perils.


Eleanor Vaida Gerhards is a partner in Fox Rothschild’s Corporate department and Co-Chair of the Franchising & Distribution Practice Group.  Eleanor is a Certified Franchise Executive, a designation received from the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives, who works with startup and established franchise clients in structuring franchise programs, drafting franchise documents and counseling clients on regulatory compliance matters. She also handles matters related to master franchising, multi-unit licensing and area-development business arrangements. Eleanor also represents franchisors and franchisees in connection with the acquisitions and sales of franchise businesses. Eleanor can be reached at egerhards@foxrothschild.com or 215.918.3642.

Matthew R. Kittay is National Co-Chair of Fox Rothschild’s Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Group and Chair of the Firm’s New York Corporate team. Matthew has deep experience in structuring mergers and acquisitions and securing private equity and venture capital for a wide range of companies, particularly in the technology, software, cannabis, manufacturing and health care sectors. He is ranked by Chambers USA as a leading corporate attorney for his transactional work with clients in the cannabis sector, and in 2019, Matt was named by The National Law Journal as a Trailblazer in Cannabis Law. Matt can be reached at mkittay@foxrothschild.com or  212.878.7978.