Joshua Ashby

Practice Areas

One of the first cannabis attorneys in the country, Josh advises cannabis businesses on mergers and acquisitions, licensing and other corporate matters.

Cannabis companies from Washington to Florida – small and large, publicly traded and private – rely on Josh’s legal acumen to navigate the industry’s highly regulated landscape. He regularly counsels clients on business strategy, fundraising, corporate planning and real estate transactions, as well as the intricacies associated with the transfer of a cannabis license.

Recognized by The National Law Journal as a "Trailblazer" in cannabis law and nationally ranked by Chambers USA, Josh frequently writes and speaks on cannabis topics. He also is sought after by news organizations for analysis on regulatory developments.

Josh authored “Lost in the Weeds,” a guide to Washington's I-502 recreational marijuana law for business owners and prospective investors, as well as key parts of the state’s hemp legislation, which was related to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (SB 5276; 2018 Farm Bill).

Josh is also experienced in negotiating manufacture and wholesale agreements from Europe to South America, and previously lived in East Asia.

Career

Prior to joining Fox, Josh started his own law firm, which garnered DOPE Magazine’s Best Law Firm Award. He subsequently joined a Northwest regional law firm as the Co-Chair of its Cannabis Law practice.

Josh previously lived in East Asia and is fluent in Japanese.

Professional Memberships

Washington State Bar Association, Cannabis Law Bar Section, First and Longest Serving Executive Chair (2017-2020) and Executive Board Member (2020-present) | Seattle University School of Law, NW Marijuana Law Conference, Chair (2016-present)

Publications

Author, Lost in the Weeds: An Introduction to Legal Issues for Business People Leading Cannabis Companies (2015)

Personal

Seattle University School of Law (J.D.) | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (B.S., summa cum laude)

Expert in these Jurisdictions

Bar Admissions: Washington