Overview
Douglas Mains specializes in government relations and regulatory law, delivering strategic counsel to clients navigating public policy, legislation, and regulatory issues. Drawing on his experience as legal counsel to two Speakers of the Michigan House of Representatives, Doug has cultivated deep connections throughout the Capitol and an in-depth understanding of the political and legislative landscape.
Doug leverages his relationships and expertise to help clients engage effectively with state agencies, elected officials, and executive and legislative staff. He has a proven track record of achieving tangible outcomes for clients, including facilitating the enactment of legislation and ordinances, the promulgation of administrative rules, and the issuance of advisory bulletins by executive agencies.
A recognized leader in Michigan’s cannabis industry, Doug played a pivotal role in drafting the state’s cannabis laws and crafting numerous municipal ordinances. As the head of the firm’s Cannabis Industry Group, he frequently advises the Michigan Legislature, municipal governments, non-profit organizations, and universities on cannabis-related legal and policy matters. Doug is also a sought-after speaker on legislative and regulatory developments, further cementing his position at the forefront of Michigan’s evolving cannabis laws.
Services
Practice Areas
Industries
Experience
Representative Matters
Doug has been a leader in Michigan's cannabis industry since the inception of the regulated market. He played a key role in drafting foundational legislation, including the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act and the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, as well as cannabis licensing ordinances in municipalities such as Detroit, Lansing, and Pontiac. Doug provides comprehensive counsel to cannabis-related businesses, assisting with business formation, licensing, regulatory compliance, disciplinary proceedings, litigation, and complex transactions.
- Successfully represented over 200 individuals and entities in navigating Michigan's cannabis licensure process
- Acted as regulatory counsel for a publicly traded company in its $500 million acquisition of a licensed Michigan cannabis company
- Guided a company through the acquisition of 12 retail licenses from a licensed Michigan cannabis operator
- Represented numerous entities in successfully negotiating resolutions in cannabis-related disciplinary hearings
- Represented the plaintiff in litigation that successfully challenged the constitutionality of Detroit's first adult-use cannabis ordinance
- Drafted and served as ballot counsel for over 40 municipal ballot initiatives
Prior Experience
- Dykema Gossett PLLC, Associate
- Michigan House of Representatives, Deputy Legal Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor
Credentials
Education
- Business Transactions
- summa cum laude
- cum laude, Criminal Law Certificate, with honors
Admissions
- Michigan
- Mississippi
Recognition
Awards
- The Best Lawyers in America, 2023-2025
- Recognized in practice areas of:
- Government Relations Practice, 2023-2025
- Land Use and Zoning Law, 2024-2025
- Recognized in practice areas of:
- Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Recognized as a "Go-To Lawyer" for Cannabis, 2024
- Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Recognized as part of the "Go to Lawyers Power List," 2024
- Michigan Super Lawyers, Recognized as a Rising Star, 2018, 2020-2024
- State Bar of Michigan Marijuana Law Section, Pioneer Award, 2018
Professional & Community Involvement
State Bar of Michigan
- Marijuana Law Section, Past Chair, Rules and Lawmaking Committee
Michigan Cannabis Industry Association
Michigan Appellate Defender Commission
- Appointed by Governor Rick Snyder, 2016 – 2019
- Re-appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, 2019 – 2024
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Public Policy Committee