Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Simms.
Hi Kimberly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I went to law school, I didn’t have a specific practice area in mind, but I knew a few things for sure: I wasn’t interested in a traditional big-law path, I wanted to do something off the beaten track, and I was drawn to the intersection of law, politics, and policy. Most of all, I wanted to do work that would have a tangible impact on society—something that felt meaningful.
After I graduated and passed the bar in 2009, the economy was still recovering, and law firm jobs were scarce. Around that time, I was living with a roommate who was a true cannabis enthusiast. After long days of bar prep, we’d have conversations—him talking passionately about the plant, and me, increasingly intrigued by the legal grey areas around it.
Not long after, he introduced me to a friend who owned property up in the Emerald Triangle and wanted to understand how to cultivate cannabis legally and asked if could be of assistance. I dove in, researched the sparse legal framework that existed at the time, and ultimately helped him form a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation. That first client referred me to another, and then another. I also got involved with San Diego NORML and began contributing to local advocacy efforts.
That was the start of what turned into a real practice. I found myself working with passionate entrepreneurs, helping shape early regulatory conversations, and getting to be part of an industry that was dynamic, meaningful, and constantly evolving. I was doing work I cared about—and that mattered.
I often think of How I Built This, where Guy Raz asks his guests how much of their success they attribute to luck versus hard work. For me, it’s truly both. I was in the right place at the right time, but when the opportunity appeared, I recognized it for what it was and poured everything I had into it. That combination—luck meeting relentless effort—has shaped every step of my journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s often said in the cannabis space that a year in this industry is like a dog year — we age quickly. The road has definitely not been smooth. This industry is full of bumps, bruises, blood, sweat, and tears. We’re still fighting for federal descheduling of cannabis, grappling with unfair tax treatment, and facing serious banking challenges. Interstate commerce remains prohibited, which makes scaling businesses exponentially harder.
At the state level, regulation has been a rollercoaster. For years, there was a failure to properly regulate the industry until around 2018. Since then, we’ve been hit with whiplash from constantly shifting rules and policies. On top of that, the industry is literally being taxed to death while the illicit market continues to thrive, cutting into the legal market’s progress.
Local regulations add another layer of complexity. Obtaining a license at the local level, in my experience, is the toughest part — licenses are limited, costs are astronomical, and the process is fiercely competitive.
Being in or serving the cannabis industry is a privilege, but it’s also an uphill battle. Some days it honestly feels like we’ll never reach the summit. This industry is not for the faint of heart — it demands serious grit, stamina, and access to capital to survive and thrive.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My practice is dedicated to serving the cannabis industry with focused transactional and corporate legal expertise. I specialize in helping cannabis businesses navigate the complex and often rapidly evolving regulatory landscape—from licensing and compliance to corporate structuring, contracts, compliance and licensing. What sets us apart is a deep understanding of both the legal nuances unique to cannabis and the entrepreneurial spirit behind the industry.
Unlike many traditional law firms that treat cannabis as a niche, we are fully immersed in the space and committed to supporting clients with practical, business-forward solutions that help them not just survive but thrive. We pride ourselves on being approachable, responsive, and proactive partners who understand the challenges and opportunities that cannabis businesses face.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of fostering trust and a reputation for integrity in an industry where both are hard-won. We have built long-term relationships by being consistent, transparent, and genuinely invested in our clients’ success.
I want your readers to know that our services go beyond legal advice—we provide strategic guidance tailored to the cannabis market’s realities, helping entrepreneurs and companies stay compliant, capitalize on opportunities, and build sustainable businesses amid uncertainty. Whether it’s a startup or an established operator looking to scale, our goal is to be the go-to resource they can count on every step of the way.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Federal descheduling or legalization may not be imminent, but it’s something I believe we could realistically see within the next 10 years. Last year brought some encouraging momentum toward rescheduling, though progress has since stalled. I remain hopeful that with the right leadership and continued industry lobbying, we’ll regain forward movement. A major game-changer would be the ability to engage in interstate commerce, which would reshape the industry—especially in large markets like California—by enabling businesses to scale beyond state lines. Additionally, the elimination of 280(e), which currently restricts cannabis businesses from deducting many expenses, would free up capital for investment in brands, growth, employees, and innovation.
At the same time, we will continue to see consolidation of the market, as larger, well-capitalized companies acquire smaller operators. We’ll also gain deeper insights into the plant itself and how different cannabinoids can target and treat various illnesses, which is truly exciting.
The illicit market remains a significant challenge unless regulated markets can offer better pricing and accessibility. Overall, the industry will become more professional and integrated into the broader economy, but success will require adaptability, compliance focus, and responsible business practices.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ksimmslaw.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-simms/
