Aaron Lachant, a Nelson Hardiman partner, serves as the chair of MMLG’s board. MMLG developed under the leadership of the Nelson Hardiman law firm, which in 2009 became one of if not the first group of serious business and regulatory attorneys to advise on medical cannabis issues. The firm’s Regulated Substances practice emerged out of discussions with the leadership of the Drug Policy Alliance and academics about the need for serious compliance expertise that went beyond what criminal defense attorneys and industry activists were providing. Under Aaron Lachant’s leadership, the firm became an integral partner to cultivators, dispensers, manufacturers, investors, and even government in developing a framework for compliance and safety. Aaron has become a trusted and respected authority on the complexities of cannabis laws, advising investors, dispensers, cultivators, product manufacturers, and others. His work with local and state government has played a singular role in shaping the path of California cannabis laws.