recreational marijuana regulation

July 25, 2018

Testing Labs in High Demand With New Marijuana Regulations

July 1 marked a huge shift for cannabis businesses in California, as certain regulations embedded in Proposition 64 became law. Although businesses knew the change was coming, it marked a major change in the supply chain for marijuana throughout the state. No longer was the focus solely on growers and dispensaries. These new regulations have shed light in a whole new way on the importance of testing labs.

According to an article from Leafly, the history of testing labs in the state has come a long way, evolving from van-based operations to highly sophisticated units protecting Californians from contaminants, pesticides, and helping measure strength and makeup of different strains and products. Until now, labs haven’t really been able to fully get off the ground. Like any production cycle, added steps are generally avoided wherever possible in order to cut down on costs. As such, not all cannabis products in California went through the lab-testing stage until laws absolutely mandated it, especially those produced by small businesses. Now labs are overwhelmed with work. Though lab workers did what they could to prepare for this day, it’s still difficult to operate a business at full capacity on profits that are not yet coming in, making it necessary to go from skeleton crew to all hands on deck in a matter of weeks. Continue reading

December 24, 2017

Marijuana Business Partnerships with Casinos Could Be a Big Win

By Cannabis Law Group

With the vote to begin recreational marijuana sales in California, cannabis business owners must navigate new waters to establish themselves with consideration of local and state laws. They also must circumvent federal laws, which still prohibit marijuana sales and use.

Another major consideration that is coming into play is how to co-exist with other businesses. Partnerships between mutually beneficial businesses can be highly profitable for all parties involved. However forming such deals can be tricky given the perceptions around the cannabis industry as well as non-cannabis businesses wanting to remain compliant with all relevant laws.

Before joining forces with sister businesses, it’s important for cannabis entrepreneurs to speak with a marijuana lawyer with an expertise in laws to guide you in best practices for a partnership. Continue reading

September 6, 2017

Los Angeles Prepares for Recreational Marijuana Sales With Appointment of Cannabis Czar

By Cannabis Law Group

Local and state government agencies across California have a significant amount of work to do before January 2, 2018. Proposition 64 – The Adult Use of Marijuana Act – provided that the state would issue business licenses for recreational marijuana sales no later than January 1, 2018. (Because January 1 is a state holiday, the licenses are scheduled to begin issuing on January 2). Much of this work fell to the California Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation. The Bureau was formed by legislation enacted in 2015 to regulate medical marijuana in the state. Now, the bureau chief has been named California’s Cannabis Czar. California marijuana lawyers

The Mercury News spoke with state Cannabis Czar Lori Ajax to learn what Californians can expect to happen with recreational cannabis business licenses come January 2. Ajax acknowledges that not every business license will be issued on Day 1, but claims that applications will be accepted, and the online system will be up and running. Ajax also claims that temporary licenses may be issued in order to facilitate a timely start to sales of recreational marijuana. Furthermore, medical marijuana business licenses will continue to be valid until the state makes final determinations about the regulation of medical marijuana licensees. Holders of medical marijuana cards will, therefore, be able to obtain cannabis from local dispensaries, regardless of the state of recreational business licenses on January 2, 2018. Continue reading