California Marijuana Dispensaries

September 24, 2014

Pot Brownies Send San Francisco Students to Hospital

Parents, school officials, health care advocates, as well as legislators have pointed to the dangers of edible products when ingested by children and teens. While regulatory changes and some precautions can be taken to keep edibles safe and out of the hands of underage users, there are still health risks in California and nationwide.

According to a recent report, five students from a high school in the San Francisco Bay Area fell seriously ill and were taken to an area hospital after consuming pot brownies brought to school by another student. Two of the students had to be hospitalized after falling unconscious from consuming the brownies.

Police reports indicated that a 17-year-old senior brought and sold the pot brownies on the schoo premises for $3 each or $5 for two. While the students knew that they were “pot brownies” they likely did not know the dosages or that the brownies were a health risk. Our Orange County medical marijuana attorneys are abreast of the legal and safety issues impacting residents of California. In addition to representing marijuana users, dispensary owners, and advocates, we are also concerned with local issues and cases that may impact marijuana law.
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September 15, 2014

Government Wants to Buy 12 Acres of Marijuana for Research

By Cannabis Law Group

While the federal government has not yet legalized the use of marijuana for research, a branch of the National Institutes of Health has posted an ad, seeking out 12 acres of marijuana for testing and research on drug use and addiction. To complete the research, the agency is soliciting proposals from those who process, analyze, store, and distribute cannabis. According to a Times Report and the federal website, the agency is looking for bids from growers who have a secure facility with video surveillance. Successful bids should also be capable of growing and processing 12 acres of marijuana and building a 1,000 square foot greenhouse for test planting. Based on information provided in the site, the agency is looking to test the plants and have the premises secured by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Food and Drug Administration.

The government agency is looking to test specific strains of plants that may be related to drug addiction and abuse. Our Orange County marijuana attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of medical card holders, dispensary owners, and other individuals and entities involved in the marijuana business. We are committed to raising awareness about developments in local, state and national marijuana law. Our attorneys are also committed to keeping marijuana business owners abreast and in compliance with the law.
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September 12, 2014

Prosecutors Allege Illegal Growing Operation and Harm to Federal Land

By Cannabis Law Group

Criminal charges related to marijuana can range from illegal possession and distribution, to federal charges for illegal growing operation. Federal prosecutors are pursuing criminal charges against growers in Sacramento, California, alleging that their large marijuana growing operation damaged land in a national forest. This has resulted in additional criminal charges, including marijuana cultivation and “depredation of public lands and resources.” Individuals who are charged and convicted of these serious crimes could face significant penalties, including fines and jail time.

According to local reports, a grand jury indicted the 21-year-old Mexican defendant on three counts for connection to the pot growing operation. Our Orange County marijuana law attorneys understand the severity of marijuana criminal charges and will aggressively defend the interests of any defendant. We are experienced with cases involving marijuana distribution and dispensaries, sales, and charges related to illegal possession. If you are under investigation or you have been charged with marijuana crimes, it is important to involve an experienced attorney in your case as soon as possible.
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August 27, 2014

14 Arrested and 5000 Marijuana Plants Seized in San Bernardino County

By Cannabis Law Group

A sweeping drug bust in San Bernardino County resulted in 14 arrests and the seizure of approximately 5000 marijuana plants. According to law enforcement authorities, the drug bust was part of the crackdown on illegal marijuana cultivation in several unincorporated areas of the county. Over a two day period in the end of August, members of the police force conducted investigations and obtained nine search warrants for residential properties in various locations throughout the area. Though medical use is legal in California, growers must operate within the confines of state law and violations could result in criminal liability.

This case is a reminder to growers, distributors, and users of marijuana in Southern California and statewide, that criminal liability still exists. Our Orange County marijuana crimes defense attorneys are experienced in providing strategic, comprehensive advocacy to defendants. We understand the severe penalties related to drug charges and will work hard to protect the rights of our clients. In addition to providing defense, we are abreast of legal developments in the area that may impact the interests of marijuana dispensary owners and medical marijuana users.
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August 23, 2014

California Medical Marijuana Bill Dead in Assembly

By Cannabis Law Group

California has been struggling to establish comprehensive legislation and policies on medical marijuana. In the most recent failed attempt, Senate Bill 122 died when the Assembly Appropriations Committee failed to pass it prior to the deadline expiration. According to lobbyists, the bill would have been too costly to establish a California Bureau of Medical Marijuana, upwards of $20 million. One of the problems with the bill is that too few marijuana businesses would have qualified or been able to actually pay to fund the agency.

According to reports, the new licensing provisions would have disqualified the majority of medical pot growers who are currently operating in secrecy. Without a license, these growers would not have had money to pay the bureau. The Assembly Appropriations Committee analysis found that the bill was flawed because it made it impossible for growers to come forward and apply for a license. Our Orange County marijuana defense attorneys are abreast on the evolving California marijuana legal landscape and are dedicated to helping dispensaries and individuals protect their rights. We will take the time to assist with regulatory and compliance matters as well as represent individuals facing criminal investigation or penalties.
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July 30, 2014

California Recreational Use Demand Could Yield $2.1 Billion Business

By Cannabis Law Group

California has always been a harbinger of marijuana laws and many residents seem eager to move forward with more liberal and widespread legislative changes. As Colorado and Washington pave the way to legalization, law enforcement officials, investors, business owners, and pot enthusiasts are watching the legal experiment play out. Colorado is seen as a bellwether for what benefits and pitfalls may lie ahead for other states seeking to legalize the drug. An SF Weekly analysis of the recent demand for legal marijuana in Colorado indicates that California’s demand for recreational pot could exceed 2.1 million pounds. Doing the math, a pound of weed for $1,000 means that the demand for California’s recreational pot is estimated at $2.1 billion.

Comparing Colorado and California may be complicated by population, localized values and interest, as well as other variables, but it does help to predict what the pot market could look like in the state if marijuana becomes legalized.

Our Orange County marijuana collective attorneys are dedicated to staying abreast of trends in local, state, and federal legislation. We are also committed to protecting the rights of individuals with a vested interest, including growers, dispensary owners, and legal users of medical marijuana.
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July 18, 2014

Marijuana Business Booming (and Risky)

By Cannabis Law Group

As states continue to open their doors to the marijuana business, entrepreneurs are flocking towards the action. This means that states in where medical and recreational marijuana have been legalized, including Colorado and Washington, the economy is being reshaped, creating more room for investors and business operators. According to the New York Times, marijuana industry workers, entrepreneurs and investors are making headway in an industry that is both promising and risky, given the conflict with federal laws.

While there is legal and financial risk, entrepreneurs also see the potential for huge growth in a quickly evolving industry. Our marijuana attorneys in Los Angeles are dedicated to protecting the rights of marijuana users, dispensary operators, and other investors. We are abreast of the changes in local, state, and federal law and can providing strategic counsel and representation to protect the rights and interests of our clients. We are also prepared to help marijuana business clients in California ensure compliance and avoid liability.

Business growth and job opportunities range from farming and ground operations to large-scale investment projects. Start-up companies have flooded hotel conference rooms and convention centers to pitch investors who also want a slice of the marijuana business pie. Reports also indicate that workers have flocked to Denver to distribute their resumes and hope to get hired in the marijuana business. The industry ranges from farming and high-tech growing systems to creating apps for distribution and to simple growing and distribution. Marijuana is now legal for medical marijuana use and it is expected to be fully legalized in Alaska and Oregon. As trend towards legalization sweeps the nation, investment groups estimate that the industry is also expected to grow to $2.6 billion by 2015.
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July 16, 2014

D.C. Decriminalizes Marijuana, Federal Land Raises Legal Complications

By Cannabis Law Group

Washington D.C. has formally decriminalized possession of marijuana and even those who are caught with more (a few grams) will receive just a $25.00 citation, less than a parking ticket in most cities. Prior to the passage of the decriminalization law, residents faced fines up to $1,000 and jail time for possession. The passage of the law is following a nationwide trend towards loosening marijuana restrictions, the appropriation of medical marijuana legalization bills, and the reduction of criminal penalties for marijuana possession and use.

According to reports, police officers in Washington D.C. still have the right to confiscate marijuana that is visible. Smoking marijuana outdoors or in a public area, such as on the street or in a park can still amount to an arrest. However, fines and jail time for public usage are capped. Our Orange County marijuana defense attorneys are committed to helping marijuana growers and users protect their rights. We are also abreast of national trends toward legalization and are committed to raising awareness.
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May 21, 2014

Reliable Products: Consumer Trust the Marijuana Business

By Cannabis Law Group

Marijuana business leaders must compete in a growing industry using age-old tactics that have worked when selling other consumer goods. One problem raised by marijuana users is that it is difficult to find a consistent product. For return customers, franchisee operators and other business owners know the importance of setting expectations, creating brands and logos and ensuring a quality product. How do these theories apply to the marijuana business? According to a recent article in the New York Times Magazine, marijuana businesses could improve their processes to create a better product, streamline goods, and improve their bottom-line.

The marijuana business is booming and American consumers interest is growing rapidly. Research shows that 38% of Americans have smoked marijuana and 7% use the product regularly. Despite any inconsistencies in the market place, Americans continue to pursue both legal and illegal sources. How does the industry comply with modern standards of capitalism? It may have to follow old routes and traditions to ensure quality and return-consumers. Our Los Angeles medical marijuana attorneys are experienced in handling the legal aspects of the marijuana industry. We are also abreast of trends and developments relevant to our clients and the marijuana-user community.
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May 17, 2014

Colorado Lawmakers Pass Marijuana Banking Legislation

By Cannabis Law Group

One legal complication faced by Colorado marijuana business is banking. Since the sale and distribution of marijuana is legal on a state, but not federal level, business owners were sometimes forced to run a cash-only operation, making it difficult to invest and safely protect profits. The Colorado legislature has approved a bill that will allow marijuana businesses to use regulated banking co-ops. Despite challenges from the Colorado Bankers Association, the bill is expected to be signed by Governor John Hickenlooper.

Signing this bill into law could be a significant advancement for marijuana business owners who are currently an easy target for theft and money laundering allegations. Our California marijuana legalization attorneys are experienced in handling legal complexities and disputes related to marijuana sale and distribution. We are supporters of legalization and are dedicated to helping marijuana business owners protect their rights. Our firm is also abreast of legal trends that impact growers and distributors in California and nationwide.
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