Courtney Barnes

Courtney Barnes advises clients across emerging industries on regulatory compliance, risk management, contract development, nonprofit formation, and strategic operational planning. Her practice focuses on businesses involved in the provision of services and the production and distribution of tightly regulated compounds, including psychedelics and cannabis.

With deep knowledge of FDA and state-level regulatory frameworks, Ms. Barnes delivers tailored guidance on licensing, distribution, advertising strategy, and other compliance matters for consumer-packaged goods (CPG) companies, retailers, and ancillary service providers. Her approach is practical, proactive, and built on years of experience navigating novel legal landscapes.

Ms. Barnes served as a lead drafter of Denver’s Psilocybin Decriminalization Initiative—the first voter-led psychedelic policy reform measure successfully passed in the U.S.—and has contributed extensively to state and local legislative efforts in the cannabis and psychedelics space.

Licensed to practice law in California, Colorado, and Texas, she is a respected speaker, legal innovator, and recognized leader in drug policy reform. Her work reflects a unique blend of legal acumen, industry insight, and personal commitment to transformative policy change.

University of Denver Sturm College of Law, J.D. (2017).

University of South Florida, B.A., summa cum laude (2010).