California Marijuana

November 14, 2014

Could Medical Marijuana Help Ebola Patients?

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.
Continue reading

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.
Continue reading

October 25, 2014

Allen v. County of Lake: Court Issues Preliminary Injunction for Medical Marijuana Patients’ Protection

By Cannabis Law Group

In Allen v. County of Lake, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California recently issued an order granting plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction prohibiting abatement actions against medical marijuana cultivators.

In July of this year, Lake County Ordinance No. 2997 (“ordinance”) took effect. This ordinance regulates medical marijuana cultivation within Lake County California. Specifically, ordinance prohibits any growing of marijuana on vacant parcels of land, any growing on parcels that are one acre or less, growing more than six mature plants or 12 immature plants on parcels larger than one acre outside of local growth boundary, and using more than 100 square feet of indoor space to grow marijuana.

According to court papers, in August of this year, police officers from various state and local agencies conducted no less than seven searches of medical marijuana patients’ homes without obtaining warrants. Marijuana plants were seized during some of these searches without any warrants being issued by a judge or magistrate.
Continue reading

October 13, 2014

Revenues Could Top $3 Billion if All States Legalize

By Cannabis Law Group

One of the leading arguments for legalization of recreational marijuana use is the potential for state and federal tax revenues. According to recent reports, if all states moved to legalize marijuana for recreational use, they could be collecting over $3 billion per year in tax revenues. The NerdWallet report projected a total of $3.1 billion per year. Of all the states, California is forecasted to benefit the most from recreational use legalization. According to their projections, California could rake in more than $519 million per year through recreational use marijuana taxation.

Whether you are pro-legalization, a medical marijuana card holder, or marijuana dispensary owner, it is important to understand the potential tax benefits and regulatory changes that could take place in the state of California. Our Orange County marijuana dispensary attorneys are committed to staying abreast of all legal chances and in providing strategic and committed advocacy to California residents. In addition to helping individuals and businesses ensure compliance with the law, we are also abreast of regulatory changes and can represent clients who are under investigation or charged in a criminal matter.
Continue reading

September 6, 2014

Prosecutors: Growing Operation Harmed 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.
Continue reading

August 31, 2014

A Pursuit, A Car Crash, and an Exposed Grow Operation

By Cannabis Law Group

While some marijuana grow operations are uncovered after months or even years of investigation, others are discovered by law enforcement, almost by accident. In a recent case, a police chase in Huntington Park ended when a car collided with a warehouse wall, exposing an illegal grow operation. Not only did law enforcement officials catch their target, but they also were able to pursue criminal charges against the individuals responsible for the property. According to authorities, there were 800 plants sized after the wall exposed the growing operation inside.

Thumbnail image for growoperation.jpg

The property was shared with other businesses who claim that they often smelled marijuana emanating from the warehouse. According to reports, the owner of the property was renting the area of the warehouse to store vintage cars. Now authorities have evidence that this was an illegal growing operation. Our Orange County marijuana law attorneys are experienced in representing marijuana dispensary owners, medical marijuana users, and other individuals who have been charged with marijuana crimes. We have a thorough understanding of California criminal laws as well as medical marijuana law to best protect the interests of our clients. Our team will also review the evidence obtained through any search and seizure to ensure that law enforcement authorities acted lawfully.
Continue reading

August 27, 2014

Medical Marijuana Policies Complicated by Push for Recreational Use

By Cannabis Law Group

In the past few years, medical marijuana use has gained momentum with widespread approval by voters, legislators, and lobbyists. For many of those who are passionate about medical usage, recreational use can be a distraction, potentially threatening medical marijuana legalization. The move towards legalization is facing resistance from medical marijuana users and caregivers who are concerned that the recreational use will significantly reduce income for those who have distributed marijuana for medical purposes. Widespread legalization could also create a host of issues related to driving under the influence, underage consumption and other problems that could compete with the greater good of medical marijuana.

According to recent reports, medical marijuana users and distributors have already faced significant regulatory hurdles. Advocates of current medical marijuana policies do not want to see the regulatory system compromised by an overhaul for recreational use. For states such as California, Maine, Nevada, Alaska, and Oregon with longtime medical marijuana usage laws, the shift towards legalization will require the dismantling of the current medical use market and policies. Our Orange County medical marijuana law attorneys are dedicated to advocating for businesses and individuals in California regarding regulatory and criminal matters. We can provide strategic advocacy and help prevent liability in cases involving marijuana law.
Continue reading

August 22, 2014

Marijuana Law and the Complications for Interstate Travelers

By Cannabis Law Group

Disparate state marijuana laws can make it difficult to know when and where you may be charged with a crime. Penalties for various charges can also vary widely. Unfortunately, for travelers throughout the U.S. the checkerboard of legal versus non-legal marijuana states make predictability and prevention of an arrest or criminal charge complicated. In the event of a criminal conviction, defendants can still face significant penalties, including years or even decades in prison. For immigrants, the consequences could be more devastating, including deportation.

Taking the U.S. interstate and carrying marijuana can be a huge risk, given the varying degrees of legality, enforcement and penalties by state. Our Orange County marijuana law attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients. In addition to providing strategic criminal defense, we also help marijuana distributors and other proprietors protect their rights and ensure compliance with California marijuana law. Our attorneys are abreast of the evolving marijuana market and the trends in marijuana law that could prevent charges or expose users and distributors to liability.
Continue reading

August 8, 2014

Rising Trend: Marijuana Growing and Business Schools

By Cannabis Law Group

With the growing financial potential of the marijuana industry, educators and leaders are seeking new opportunities to profit, bolster growth, and ensure top-quality candidates. In California and cropping up nationwide, are educational programs that teach people how to conduct business in a burgeoning marijuana economy. Many of these schools are for-profit, offering classes for several hundred dollars a course to help individuals at every level of the industry, from farming, to sales and venture capitalist endeavors.

The opportunity to seek out an education in the industry is a testimony to the quick business growth and potential capacity for profits in California and nationwide. Our Orange County marijuana dispensary attorneys are experienced in representing clients with a vested legal interest in the marijuana industry. From regulation and compliance to criminal defense, we are committed to staying abreast of legal changes in Southern California and throughout the region. Our priority is to protect the rights of our clients and to stay abreast of business and legal changes in the ever-evolving marijuana industry.
Continue reading

July 26, 2014

Grower Arrested and Charged – Allegedly Ignited Wildfire

By Cannabis Law Group

A marijuana grower is suspected of starting a 1,600-acre wildfire in the Sequoia National Forest and was indicted by a federal grand jury for damaging forestlands and setting the fire. In addition to the charges related to the fire and damages, the grower is also facing five counts of criminal marijuana cultivation. This is the second marijuana farmer suspected of setting a major fire this year. According to the arrest warrant and court reports, the grower allegedly set the crops afire after he became concerned that other men at the cultivation site had plotted to kill him.

The case raises concerns about illegal activity surrounding the marijuana business. Our Los Angeles marijuana criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to protecting legal cultivators, distributors, growers, and those holding medical marijuana licenses. We are abreast of marijuana legal issues impacting our clients and California residents. As informed and strategic advocates, we are current with legal trends in Southern California and nationwide. For those involved in the marijuana industry, our attorneys provide a broad range of legal services.
Continue reading