Aaron Pelley, Partner
For over 15 years, Aaron Pelley has stood at the forefront of the evolving landscape of cannabis regulation. Aaron is a champion of emerging markets and an ardent advocate for cannabis industry entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors. He has crafted key cannabis legislation and established himself as a leading authority on cannabis law and practice.
Aaron is a dynamic speaker and a sought-after figure at national engagements, as well as a fixture at legal education conferences across the United States. Aaron enjoys sharing insights that illuminate the intersections of culture, law, and the economy. His expertise is frequently showcased in prestigious magazines, news articles, and television programs, reflecting his impact on shaping perceptions of the cannabis industry.
Aaron is frequently recognized for his outstanding legal contributions, earning accolades such as Super Lawyer, Top 100 Trial Lawyer from National Trial Lawyers, Top 200 Global Cannabis Lawyer and Top Cannabis Litigators. Aaron is committed to an integrous cannabis industry, which includes fostering equitable relationships among business partners, and championing those who lead the charge in this transformative industry.
Aaron is unafraid of change and has lived at the tip of the spear his entire career. He’ll greet any challenge you present to him with open arms.
On his off time Aaron Pelley enjoys live music, reading and playing chess.
More About Aaron
Speaking Engagements
Cannabis Loans & Investments, Harris Sliwoski Webinar, February 28, 2024.
2023
- National Interdisciplinary Cannabis Symposium CLE
- Psychedelics – Legislation, Regulation, Practicalities & The Law
- National Interdisciplinary Cannabis Symposium CLAS Student Panel
- Insights from Cannabis Lawyers
- CannaLaw Summit – Inside Practice
- Cannabis Regulations: Overview of the State Regulations and Requirements for Licensing
- National Business Institute
- Litigation Trends and Product Liability
2022
- Bellingham Forum Festival
- Administrative Law Oversight in Cannabis, Conference Forum
- Cannabis Law Review
- State of the US Cannabis Industry, Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers
- Cannalaw Summit – Inside Practice
- Interstate Commerce, CLE
2021
- MyLaw CLE – Federal CLE
- Cannabis Law Updates
- The Academy of Cannabis Science
- Compliance & Cannabis Licensing
2019
- Recreational Marijuana Business Law in Washington
- Federal Responses to Washington Marijuana Law
- Marijuana Law – A Comprehensive Overview
- K&L Gates Event
- Investing in Cannabis
- Indoor Agricultural Conference
- Cannabis Genetics and the Current Legal Landscape
2018
- National Marijuana Retail & Dispensary Expo
- Branding for Retailers in the Cannabis Industry
- International Cannabis Business Conference
- The ABCs of CBDs
- Cannabis Collaborative Conference
- Legal Panel
- Annual National Paralegal Association
- CBD and Cannabis Laws
- 2018 Willamette Law Review Symposium: US v. Oregon: Examining the Role of Federalism Under the Trump Administration
- Marijuana Law & Federalism
2017
- Urban Land Institute Spring Meeting
- The Legalized Marijuana Industry and its Impact on Industrial Real Estate
- Seattle CannaCon
- Navigating Cannabis Laws
- Recreational Marijuana Business Law in Washington
- Obtaining a Washington Cannabis Business License
- MJBA Business Bootcamp
- Intellectual Property Litigation
- Cannabis Grand Cru
- Brand Creation, Differentiation & Leadership
- Cannabis and Your Health
- Cannabis Laws
- 3rd Annual Cannabis Collaborative Conference
- Developing an Effective Business Strategy
2016
- Weed Week PDX
- Advising Cannabis Business
- The Third Native American Cannabis Conference
- Legal Hurdles, Managing Risk, Lessons Learning from Others Mistakes, & Protecting your Tribe
- The Best in Marijuana Design & Packaging 2016
- Compliance Law Review
- Recreational Marijuana Business Law in Washington Training Seminar
- Obtaining a Washington Cannabis Business License
- Native American Cannabis Conference
- Legal Hurdles & Managing Risk
- MJBA Business Boot Camp
- Avoiding the Audit
- Imperious Cannabis Business Expo
- Cannabis Applications and Licensing
- CannaCon (Seattle)
- Legal Panel (Education & Development)
- CannaCon (Anchorage)
- Law & Politics of Cannabis
- Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition
- Community Engagement by Cannabis Companies
- Cannabis Grand Cru 2016 CFG
- Washington’s 502 Legislation Foundry
- Cannabis Grand Cru (Portland)
- Brand Creation, Differentiation & Leadership
2015
- PWC Panel Presentations
- Clearing the Air: Let’s Talk about Legal Pot & Workers’ Comp
- Medical & Recreational Cannabis
- Cannabis Litigation
- Federal Law Issues and Washington State Marijuana Laws
- Washington Marijuana Law
- Benton Franklin County Bar Association
- Case Law Update on Cannabis Law and Litigation
2014
- WANP Annual Clinical Conference 2014 (Pain Management in Naturopathic Practice)
- Benefits Outweighing the Risk – Ethics and Legal Pitfalls
- Canna Business & the Law – I-502 Seminar
- Choosing Legal Compliance
2013
- I-502 Implications
- Current Washington Medical Cannabis Laws; Criminal Ramifications of Violating I-502; the Green DUI
2012
- The 19th Annual Criminal Justice Institute
- Updates and Critical Issues
- Q&A session on Medical Cannabis
- Legal Issues for Access Points
- Hempfest 2012
- Medical Marijuana in Washington State
2011
- Hempfest 2011 (20th Anniversary)
- Medical Marijuana Law
- Current Issues in Search & Seizure (CLE)
- Criminal Defense Law with Apple
- Care Medical Group and Training Academy
- Advanced Cannabis Law
- Cannabis College
- Intro to Medical Cannabis Law
- Marijuana Liberation March
- Implication of State v. Fry
Media Appearances
Top Ten Cannabis Business Lawyers in 2024, MJ SEO, January 5, 2024.
Lawyer Limelight: Aaron Pelley, “The Pot Lawyer”, LawDragon, March 11, 2021.
Aaron Pelley, West Coast, Respect My Region, November 19, 2020.
MG Magazine, 30 Powerful Cannabis Attorneys You Should Know,, November 5, 2018.
State Bar Association Section, Impacts of Legalized Marijuana on Firearms Rights.
Bar Association Litigation News, Up in Smoke? Marijuana Law
American Bar Association GP Solo: Law Trends and News, Law with An Apple.
TruTV’s Best Defense – Navid Haq Trial
Recognition/Honors
Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers, Cannabis Law Review, November 2023.
Top 200 Psychedelic Lawyers, Cannabis Law Review, November 2023. ·
Super Lawyer, Thompson Reuters, January 2023.
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, March 2022.
Top Ten Best Cannabis Lawyers, MJ SEO Agency, 2022.
Super Lawyer, Thompson Reuters, 2022
Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers, Cannabis Law Review, 2022
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers · 2021
Super Lawyer, Thompson Reuters, 2021.
Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers, Cannabis Law Review, 2021.
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, 2020.
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, 2019.
Top 30 Cannabis Litigators, MG Retailer Magazine, 2019.
Top 100 Trial Lawyers,National Trial Lawyers, 2018.
Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2017.
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, 2017.
Rising Star, Law & Politics, 2016.
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, 2016.
Rising Star, Law & Politics (Super Lawyers), 2015.
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2015.
Rising Star,Law & Politics (Super Lawyers), 2014.
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2014.
Rising Star, Law & Politics, 2010.
Memberships
-
National Cannabis Bar Association, Member, 2015 – Present
-
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, Legal Committee Member, 2008 – Present
-
Bar Association, Cannabis Law Section 2018 – Present
-
American Bar Association, Advisory Panel, 2004 – 2009
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, Lifetime Member
Practice Areas
Education
- Willamette University School of Law (J.D.)
- Willamette University (B.A)