Thomas Howard

Thomas E. Howard – Founder

Thomas Howard is a business attorney, cannabis industry advisor, and the founder of Collateral Base, a consulting firm that helps operators launch and scale cannabis businesses in highly regulated markets.

With more than fifteen years of experience practicing law, Thomas has built a career at the intersection of law, business strategy, and government regulation. His work focuses on helping entrepreneurs navigate licensing, compliance, and operational challenges in industries where the rules are complex and the stakes are high.

Thomas is also a co-founder of Howard East Law Firm, where he represents clients in business law, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory matters, and commercial litigation. His legal work frequently involves advising companies operating in heavily regulated environments, particularly the cannabis industry.

Learn more about his legal practice at Howard East Law:

Before founding Collateral Base, Thomas became widely known for his legal analysis of cannabis policy and federal law. His commentary and educational work through Cannabis Industry Lawyer has helped thousands of entrepreneurs understand the legal framework behind cannabis legalization, licensing, and compliance.

Thomas also hosts the Cannabis Legalization News YouTube channel, where he breaks down the evolving legal landscape of cannabis in plain English. His videos cover everything from federal legalization policy to the fine print of state licensing rules, helping business owners understand how the law actually works in practice.

Through Collateral Base, Thomas and his team have helped companies pursue cannabis licenses, structure compliant operations, and navigate the realities of operating in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment. His consulting work has supported projects across multiple states and jurisdictions, with a focus on building businesses that are both legally compliant and operationally sustainable.

Thomas is licensed to practice law in Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin. He attended Marquette University Law School and has been recognized by both Leading Lawyers and Super Lawyers for his work in business law.

When he is not advising companies or analyzing regulatory policy, Thomas continues to publish educational content aimed at helping entrepreneurs understand the legal systems that shape emerging industries.