California Marijuana Dispensaries

December 6, 2014

New Drug Could Curb Chronic Marijuana Use?

Medical marijuana proponents have found countless ways that properties of the plant can be used to treat physical and mental conditions. With more funds being invested into treatment potential, more patients are being offered medical marijuana alternatives to pharmaceuticals. What about a drug to treat marijuana dependence? With all of the talk about the benefits of medical marijuana, many still see the drug as hazardous with the potential to create dependent and addicted users. According to research, a new medication may become available to induce a natural marijuana high, in effect curbing marijuana use.

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According to reports, medical researchers are developing a medication useful in replenishing the supply of a molecule that activates cannabinoid receptors in the brain. In addition to becoming an alternative to the use of marijuana, proponents of the drug say that it may also be an answer in relieving mood, anxiety, and other emotional disorders. A team of researchers at Vanderbilt argue that the drug could help marijuana users who are dependent on the drug.
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November 29, 2014

New Study Linking Addiction and Marijuana

By Cannabis Law Group

There are many drugs that are known for their highly addictive qualities: cocaine, pharmaceuticals, alcohol, even cigarettes. Addiction and chemical dependency are dangerous and can threaten the health and quality of life for users, but diagnosing and treating physical addiction can be complicated. Critics of marijuana legalization and other public health organizations have raised concerns about addiction. According to new research, their concerns may be valid. A recent study shows that those who have used marijuana daily for four years or more could undergo certain changes to the area of the brain commonly associated with addiction.

The research looked at the brains of 48 chronic marijuana users and compared MRI images to 62 persons who do not use marijuana. According to the investigators, those who had been smoking marijuana every day, for at least three times a day, had a smaller volume of grey matter in the orbitofrontal cortex and also showed greater connections between different parts of the brain, known as connectivity (a measure of how well information travels between different areas of the brain). After examining data, the researchers pointed out that, not only is there a structural change, but also a change in the connectivity of the brain. Lost brain volume could also be linked to the increased connectivity in other areas of the brain.
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November 27, 2014

Marijuana Legalization and the Real Estate Market

By Cannabis Law Group

Legalization of marijuana has changed not only the market for marijuana, but has impacted other industries as well. As the trend of legalization sweeps through the U.S., those in the real estate business have had to take note. New marijuana laws and regulations have had implications for property owners and management. It also can impact both commercial and residential real estate property and whether the marijuana business is industrial or a retail seller. In California, dispensary owners, legislators, investors, and property owners have had to take note of changes in the industry and the impact on rights and regulations.

Property issues related to marijuana growing operations ranges from landlord and tenant law, usage laws, environmental issues and the broader impact on real estate values. Depending on whether pot is grown in a residential or commercial environment, or if the property is governed by a homeowner’s association could also affect the rights of the tenant or property owner. Home owners and real estate professionals must be abreast of these changes as well. Where real estate brokers can profit from angling the best properties for marijuana production, new buyers must also have a clear understanding of their rights and obligations.
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November 23, 2014

New Bill Lifts Ban on VA Doctor Medical Marijuana Recommendations

By Cannabis Law Group

Veterans returning from combat may suffer a host of physical, emotional, and psychological ailments that may be relieved with the use of medical marijuana. A new bill introduced by Congress could help veterans who live in states where medical marijuana is already legal, but where VA doctors have previously held silent on the issue due to federal drug laws. The Veterans Equal Access Act was introduced in mid-November by representatives from Oregon and California with 10 bipartisan cosponsors. Essentially, the law would lift the current ban on VA doctors issuing opinions or recommendations about the use of medical marijuana by veterans.

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According to research, veterans who suffer from traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are among the patients who could benefit from medical marijuana. Veterans advocates assert that the psychological and brain traumas associated with combat can be even more damaging that physical ailments. They can impact the veteran’s ability to manage day-to-day tasks, seek gainful employment, or even assimilate back into home life with their families. The new bill would give wounded veterans access to medical marijuana to help them cope and thrive in a post-combat environment.
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November 21, 2014

Sparc: The Designer Dispensary in San Francisco

By Cannabis Law Group

As the marijuana market develops in California and nationwide, so will the myriad ways that companies brand and market their retail capabilities. “Sparc” is a leading medical marijuana dispensary in San Francisco and is known for its high-end décor, selection, and designer “Apple-esque” vibe. The dispensary was founded in 2009 and now serves a broad and diverse clientele, up to 400 buyers per day. Many of the customers will pay up to $300 for an ounce of marijuana. Sparc has become the hot-spot for marijuana lovers throughout San Francisco for its cutting-edge design, lighting, and community feel.

Some reviews of the dispensary suggest that it feels more like a wine bar than a pot shop. While you might picture a small-enclosed room with dark lighting in an old warehouse as a pot shop, Sparc is an open space with large tables, windows and warm lighting. It has also been lauded for its award-winning design and unique atmosphere. For those who want high-end services, Sparc has become the premier pot shop for buyers in San Francisco. According to the owner, the business model seeks to meet the same standards as other service industries. When you enter a restaurant or retail shop, you want to feel welcome and that customer service is important. Sparc has kept the bar high to make their customers happy.
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November 14, 2014

Could Medical Marijuana Help Ebola Patients?

By Cannabis Law Group

Recent fears about the Ebola outbreak are prompting international investigations and medical probes into potential cures and treatments. The Ebola virus has erupted in West Africa, already killing over 4,500 people, and causing medical professionals, authorities, and government entities to scramble to contain the virus and to find a cure or vaccine.

Among the claims about potential cures for Ebola, is a U.S. governor’s voice, claiming that marijuana has the potential to cure Ebola. According to reports, a medical director and the CEO of America’s largest marijuana companies, made a public statement that cannabis has the potential power to stop the spread of Ebola.

Gary Johnson, a former candidate for U.S. President and former governor of New Mexico, argued more research should be performed to determine whether certain cannabis properties could be effective in treating and managing the Ebola outbreak. The drug has formerly been associated with the alleviation of pain and other symptoms related to serious disease, including cancer. It has also been shown to improve the function of the immunity system.
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November 11, 2014

Two Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Raided by DEA in L.A.

By Cannabis Law Group

Marijuana dispensary owners must always be wary of regulatory and compliance issues, as well as unlawful search and seizure. A search and seizure by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration can result in serious criminal charges and penalties. According to media reports, two legally-authorized medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles were raided, even though staff members vehemently insist they were in compliance with state drug laws. This case is another example of the patchwork state and federal laws related to medical marijuana. To make matters more confusing, any citizen can still technically be hit with federal criminal charges despite being in compliance with local and state laws.

After an initial investigation, the Department of Justice confirmed the raid was based on a search warrant executed on the two dispensaries. According to a representative from the DEA, the warrant was sealed and would not be made public. Reports indicated several DEA raids initiated in two separate locations in L.A.

Authorities raided properties, seizing money, marijuana and computers. The West Hollywood staff members said no arrests were made, adding there was significant confusion about why the raids took place. The dispensaries have been established in the community for over 10 years, and operators insist they are “100-percent” state-compliant, abiding by cultivation, sale and tax laws.
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November 6, 2014

A New Study on Marijuana’s Effect on the Brain

By Cannabis Law Group

A primary concern for many opponents of marijuana legalization is the impact on the brain, especially for teens and young users. New research provides an in-depth look at how marijuana effects the brain. According to an article published in The New York Times detailing research completed by the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Harvard Center for Addiction Medicine, an increased denseness in the pleasure center of the brain indicates that the brain may adapt to marijuana exposure. Some theorize this “rewiring” suggests the brain has a reward system that begins to demand the drug.

According to the report, researchers reviewed composite scans of the brains of 20 pot smokers between the ages of 18 and 25. Evidence suggested even those who smoked one or two times a week experienced key differences in two areas of the brain. The structural differences in the brain were even greater the more a subject smoked.

Marijuana use has been showed to reduce pain, improve appetite and help to combat symptoms related to diseases including epilepsy, cancer, PTSD and a host of others. Despite these benefits, many critics point out that recreational use can have a deleterious impact on the brain. Previous research showed that those who smoked pot at a young age were more likely to have learning and mental health issues.
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October 15, 2014

Couple Arrested for Facebook Marijuana Business

By Cannabis Law Group

Despite more states decriminalizing and legalizing marijuana for medical use and distribution, the fact remains that marijuana is still illegal under federal law. Medical marijuana business owners must be wary of state regulations as well as federal policies to avoid liability. Even when in compliance, these business owners may still risk criminal prosecution. In a recent case, a Massachusetts couple has been charged by local authorities for selling medical marijuana and edibles over the internet. Now the young couple, in their 20s could face federal charges, even jail time.

Whether you are an existing marijuana business owner or you are considering a foray in the medical marijuana market, it is important to have a clear understanding of your rights and obligations. You should also be wary of the pitfalls in the marijuana industry when up against complex state regulations and overarching federal laws. Our Orange County medical marijuana attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of our individual and business clients. We are dedicated to staying abreast of evolving marijuana laws and in helping defend our clients in the event of a criminal investigation.
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October 5, 2014

Operation Grow 4 Vets Donates Marijuana to Veterans

By Cannabis Law Group

Veterans returning from combat often suffer from a host of mental and physical ailments. In addition to the disabilities, loss of limb, and other physical injuries that can result in severe pain and suffering, many veterans also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder which can result in depression, personality disorders, anxiety and other mental afflictions. For many veterans, medical marijuana helps to alleviate these symptoms. In late September, over 1,000 veterans congregated in a Colorado Springs hotel for Operation Grow 4 Vets to participate in a marijuana giveaway. The organization is dedicated to delivering cannabis-based treatments to veterans.

In the giveaway that donated to veterans from throughout Colorado and out-of-state, participants were given a bag of items, including cannabis oil, marijuana chocolate, and seeds to grow their own marijuana plants. Our Orange County medical marijuana attorneys are dedicated to raising awareness to protect the rights of individual marijuana users, cultivators, and dispensary owners in California. In addition to staying abreast of marijuana law in our own backyard, we are also committed to following trends and stories related to marijuana use nationwide. Our legal team is prepared to protect the rights and interests of medical marijuana users, including veterans, as well as medical dispensary operators and others involved in the marijuana industry.
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