Boston, Massachusetts – Blake M. Mensing, a former attorney based in Holliston, made a bold career move after Massachusetts voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2016. Inspired by the ballot initiative, Mensing decided to leave the practice of law and venture into the cannabis industry. He had been working tirelessly to establish a successful legal practice advising clients in the cannabis industry. However, the passage of Question 4 prompted him to pursue his dream in a different capacity.
Mensing took a significant leap towards realizing his aspirations when his Boston firm, The Mensing Group, closed its doors in October 2023. The firm had become a flagship for representing clients in the booming cannabis industry in the state. Mensing’s expertise helped the firm obtain over 100 licenses from the Cannabis Control Commission on behalf of their clients. Last year, he made the decision to sell his interest in The Mensing Group to another cannabis law firm called Cable, Fleisher & Sosebee in Northampton.
Currently, Mensing is fully committed to his new career as a cannabis entrepreneur. He has already ventured into the industry by co-owning the retail store, Holyoke Cannabis, for several years before being bought out in January. Now, he has started his own cultivation and manufacturing business, Coyote Cannabis Corp. in Uxbridge, with the help of his brother George, who brings experience from the pharmaceutical/drug development/biotech realm.
Throughout his cannabis journey, Mensing has recognized what he sees as a fundamental problem in the Massachusetts cannabis market. He believes that the dominant players in the industry mainly originated from the medical side, disregarding the potential of the adult-use market. With Coyote Cannabis, he aims to operate in a different lane, prioritizing quality over profits and distancing himself from corporate overlords.
In addition to his cultivation and manufacturing business, Mensing has plans to open two cannabis retail stores, including one across from Boston’s South Station. The business has the support of four social equity owners who will actively participate in its management. Mensing’s decision to pursue a cannabis career stems from his realization that being a lawyer did not align with his expectations. Despite practicing municipal law and representing cannabis businesses, he always envisioned opening his own cannabis store.
Mensing is candid about his long-standing fondness for marijuana and emphasizes that responsible consumption of the plant does not hinder success or productivity. Although he desired to transition away from the legal profession years ago, he faced financial constraints and lacked knowledge about the business side of the industry. Now, as a cannabis entrepreneur, he embraces the challenges and hard work, finding fulfillment in determining his own worth.
While winding down his legal practice and working in an of counsel position at Cable, Fleisher & Sosebee, Mensing remains resolute in his decision to leave the legal field behind. He acknowledges the increased effort required to run a cannabis business but finds satisfaction in building his own dream and reaping the benefits of his hard work.