The suits allege that Case Mandel and his Cannadips business operations, used fictional projections — inflated by as much as 2,000 percent — to deliberately mislead lenders into investing in his cannabis companies, then Mandel supposedly held the funds without ever intending to repay them.

Lawsuits, Lawsuits, Lawsuits Of the three lawsuits, the first was filed in the district court of Clark County, Nevada. While the second was filed in Humboldt County, California, against Mandel, Trinidad Consulting, and Trinidad Management, LLC, which has been trading as Cannadips. Then a federal lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for Nevada this month, and names the same targets as those listed in the California suit.

Throughout the lawsuits, Mandel is presented as the alleged mastermind behind a dishonest ploy to attract investments and loans via deliberately misleading tactics and documentation.

When our Los Angeles marijuana business attorneys reviewed the federal lawsuit, they quickly saw it mirrored the suits already filed in California and Nevada state courts. All three gave detail on the extent someone seemingly above board appears to have gone, in order to manipulate investors, partners and lenders for personal financial gain.

The State Lawsuit The lawsuit presented in state court alleges Mandel was desperate to raise money, and he began his fraudulent activity in July 2018. Initially, Mandel borrowed $500,000, then another $500,000 in 2019. Next, when claiming more money was needed for marketing to attract sufficient funding to repay the large loan, Mandel borrowed a further $200,000, bringing the grand total to $1.2 million. Of which, the lawsuit alleges none has been paid back as yet.

Federal Legal Action The federal legal action is consistent in that it centers around Case Mandel, a well-known cannabis entrepreneur in the marijuana industry, and various businesses operated by Mandel under the trading name, Cannadips. The charges accuse Mandel of obtaining $1.2 million from investors by way of fraud, unjust enrichment, breach of contract and blatant misrepresentation.

Plaintiffs — Aether Gardens and Solace Holdings LLLP, together with Telloni Holdings Limited, established in the British Virgin Islands and now located in London — claim they were tricked with business numbers inflated by some 2000 percent, to loan Mandel $1.2 million to fund a cannabidiol (CBD) business.

The federal complaint notes a series of blatant misrepresentations made by Mandel, including the deployment of make-believe projections, intended to lure Solace and affiliates to enter deals that Mandel had no intention of fulfilling.

Implications Amid California’s budding cannabis industry, suits of this kind reveal a darker side to quickly changing industries. Claims of fraud, deception and misrepresentation serve as reminders to business people of all sorts, and point to the importance of doing one’s own due diligence, digging a little deeper into numbers, double checking with impartial sources and really getting a good sense check on the state of affairs before entering into investment deals of any kind.

Sadly, that just makes securing capital from investors and lenders that much more difficult for the many honest, hardworking and law abiding businesses operating within the cannabis industry. The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, ancillary companies, patients, doctors and those facing marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734. Additional Resources: Solace Holdings LLLC vs. Case Mandel (Clark County, Nevada) Telloni Holdings Limited vs. Case Mandel (Humboldt County, California) Solace Holdings LLLC, Aether Gardens vs. Case Mandel (U.S. District Court for Nevada)

During the raids, California Police seized $1.5 billion worth of illegally grown marijuana. Under California’s “Campaign Against Marijuana Planting” (CAMP) activity, the operations lead authorities to seize and destroy 953,459 plants grown at 345 different cannabis grow sites throughout Southern, Central and Northern California. The November 4 raids also saw 168 weapons confiscated by police.

By comparison, this most recent clampdown resulted in almost three times as many arrests than did the CAMP raids of 2018. At that time, 52 people were arrested and 614,267 illegally grown marijuana plants were destroyed. Similarly, way back in 2009, agents also made big inroads when they seized 4.5 million illegally grown marijuana plants.

If you need legal advice for illegal growing or possession of marijuana, our Orange County cannabis criminal defense lawyers are here for you.

Protecting the Community and the Environment When speaking about the success of this CAMP activity, Attorney General Xavier Becerra noted that removing illegal growers from the landscape will help protect local wildlife, waterways and the unsuspecting public from the effects of exposure to multiple hazardous chemicals.

“Illegal cannabis growers are devastating our communities. Criminals who disregard life, poison our waters, damage our public lands, and weaponized the illegal cannabis black market will be brought to justice,” Becerra said.

An official statement from the California Attorney General’s Office noted that the targeted sites were filled with trash and debris, prohibited pesticides (including aluminum phosphate, methyl parathion, carbonfuran, and other illegal fertilizers), and were at fault for releasing large amounts of these hazardous substances into California’s waterways.

Raids Sending a Message The California Department of Justice spearhead these CAMP raids, and teams involved issued more than 120 search warrants across 35 different Californian counties. Agents who brought production at scores of illegal cannabis growth sites to a halt have helped to reduce the threat of harmful chemicals and dangerous criminal activity, to which the public would otherwise have been exposed.

This kind of law enforcement activity parlays nicely with other state attempts to curtail the illicit marijuana market, such as Assembly Bill 97, which permits $30,000 per-day-fines for illegal cannabis business operations. The bill was intended to encourage black market businesses to apply for state commercial cannabis licenses, and takes a tougher stance than the smaller illegal business activity fines which business owners have basically ignored thus far.

Legal Implications At this point, industry insiders are happy to see law enforcement branches taking action against illegal cannabis businesses, who seem to have been operating relatively uninterrupted for a very long time. Raids such as these are especially satisfying to marijuana business owners who’ve paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to ensure their operations are legitimate and continuing to meet state requirements.

Hopefully, sustained law enforcement activity of this kind will also encourage other illicit businesses to convert their operations to legal outfits as well. It seems consistent and firm reminders may be required to serve as ongoing persuaders, at least for now. About Cannabis Law Group The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers dispensaries, ancillary companies, patients and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734. Additional Resources: Assembly Bill 97

including numerous deaths as a result of overly aggressive pursuits. The latest death out of Pennsylvania is evidence of how far we still have to go before we fully grasp the harm caused by hostile anti-marijuana stances. According to a report from American Civil Liberties Union, a man was run over by a bulldozer recently during a pursuit, after the man was allegedly caught growing a whopping 10 plants on state gaming property. The death was reported as accidental, but regardless it is an example of how needless and reckless brute force is in enforcing marijuana laws.

The small grow site was found after a game commission employee on the bulldozer was clearing brush and spotted a vehicle. He called the police after he investigated and found the marijuana plants. What followed was the definition of overreaction. Upon their arrival, police spotted two men emerging from the underbrush. They apprehended one, but the other escaped on foot. The 10 plants apparently warranted a full search with police and the game commission joining forces. Police officers called in a helicopter to search the surrounding area, while the game commission employee continued the search on the ground. Somehow, the suspect was caught up in the thick underbrush. Cause of death was listed as traumatic injuries caused by the force of the bulldozer.

Our Orange County marijuana criminal defense attorneys will always support following the law; however, we also will always encourage questioning the law, especially when it seems unjust or arbitrarily harsh, as was the case here in Pennsylvania. The amount and level of resources used to find one man is confounding considering the state’s track record for dealing with crimes of this nature. Medical marijuana is legal in Pennsylvania for a limited pool of patients, and growing any amount of plants is a felony. Sentencing, though, is generally light. ACLU cited one example of an illicit grow site in the state with more than 100 plants in which the grower was sentenced to 30 days in jail and house arrest for six months. A grow site a fraction of that size hardly seems worthy of a full man hunt, certainly not one that sentenced the man to death.

Sometimes it takes unnecessary tragedy to make people wake up to the reactionary nature of our law enforcement agencies. Our lawyers only hope we will someday learn our lesson once and for all to prevent such incidents in the future. Even here in California, where both medical and recreational marijuana has been legalized, there are still laws to abide by and various levels of enforcement. California state law doesn’t always align with laws in each county or city, which could have stricter regulations and bans. There are also areas of the state that are simply friendlier to the marketplace than others. Our marijuana attorneys understand your rights in the face of overly harsh enforcement. We take on criminal defense cases for cannabis-related crimes in the Los Angeles, Orange County, and Riverside areas of Southern California.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

Police Say They Accidentally Ran Over a Fleeing Suspect with a Bulldozer During Pot Bust, July 13, 2018, By Joel Shannon, USA Today

More Blog Resources:

DEA Chief Woefully Unaware of Medical Marijuana Facts, May 21, 2018, Cannabis Law Group

legalization: from health organizations and doctors to veterans, cancer patients, and NFL players. Support crosses age groups, socio-economic status, race, and gender. A recent report from High Times, however, revealed some groups who do not support marijuana legalization, and it paints an interesting picture of those who have profited most off of the criminalization of this relatively benign drug.

Several of the groups on the list are, no surprise, involved in the arrest and incarceration of marijuana users. Law enforcement officials, for example, have received a great deal of funding over the years that was earmarked for the barbaric and misguided “War on Drugs.” Despite much more dangerous and lethal street drugs, marijuana users have always been a favorite target. It’s no wonder, considering the docile effect cannabis can often have on users, as opposed to the aggressive, violent, and hyperactive responses other drugs can induce. Marijuana has allowed police officers the ability to go after low-hanging fruit, pull in big numbers, and still get paid the same. Many police stations have also benefitted greatly from asset forfeiture programs, in which they line their budgets with money made off of auctioning seized property in marijuana raids. It’s not like there would even be a lack of work to be done. Without marijuana, officers will have to focus their time and resources on more risky areas, such as meth labs and opioid rings, which will be far more challenging.From there, for-profit prisons and prison guards have much to gain from criminalization. Not only will there be fewer marijuana-related prosecutions and jail time, but states like California have opened up the opportunity for people to petition to have their charges reduced or expunged. Some cities are even automatically reviewing cases and making adjustments based on new laws on the behalf of those with relevant criminal records. That means some prisons could be losing inmates, i.e. their bread and butter. Data indicates prisons across the country could be losing up to $2 billion as a result of marijuana legalization. The lives of marijuana users are worth much more to them behind bars. This is one of the many reasons it is so important to seek the counsel of one of our marijuana criminal defense attorneys in Orange County to make sure someone is advocating for your rights.

Two other industries also stand to lose a significant amount of profit from marijuana legalization, but not because of the War on Drugs. On the contrary, pharmaceutical drug manufacturers feel very threatened by cannabis, which is fairly cheap and easy to produce. Many states even allow medical marijuana patients and/or their caregivers to grow their own plants, making it difficult for big pharma to figure out how to capitalize. Still there is plenty of room for companies to join to club. For example, FDA recently approved a liquid CBD-based drug specifically formulated for treating childhood seizures. There are numerous opportunities to harness the power of cannabis in ways that could help patients and break them from their dependency on far more dangerous drugs, like opioids.

The forestry industry also feels the heat from cannabis or, more specifically, hemp. Hemp is an excellent resource for creating paper, and it reproduces much quicker than trees. There’s no stopping the hemp industry now, though, especially with a recent push from the Senate to legalize this particular variety of cannabis. It would be wise for forestry workers, and all the other industries mentioned here, to rethink their models and embrace a future of cannabis legalization.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

About Six-in-Ten Americans Support Marijuana Legalization, Jan. 5, 2018, Pew Research Center

More Blog Entries:

Senate Plants Seed for Hemp Legalization, June 30, 2018, Marijuana Lawyer Blog

of the trailblazing marijuana business owners in the state isn’t even necessarily enough. Just ask the woman who opened Ventura County’s first legal medical marijuana dispensary. She has spent the last year and a half facing down charges for perjury, possessing and transporting marijuana, and maintaining a place to sell the drug. These charges, however, were recently dropped, freeing her to focus on her business at last.

The woman is also president of a collective in Ojai, Calif. The property of the collective and her own home in Ventura were raided in November 2016, just before Proposition 64 passed on the ballot. She lost many personal possessions in addition to property of the collective. At the time, the collective was operating under the guidelines of Compassionate Use Act of 1996, which regulated use and sales of medical marijuana in the state, but investigators said she was in violation of those rules, according to a Ventura County Star article.As our Los Angeles marijuana criminal defense attorneys can explain, collectives are allowed to grow limited amounts of marijuana and share among members of the group, including deliveries to those members. They could not share outside the group, and they should only charge as much as necessary to cover the costs of growing marijuana, but not enough to turn a profit. Any suspicion of violating these rules could draw the attention of officials, as in the case at hand. The collective president said she aimed for compliance at all times and alleged she made every effort to work with county and city officials. She even alleged she met with one official just a couple months before the raid, who responded to her questions by brushing off her concerns until November, pointing to the Prop 64 vote and the ways it could change how matters are handled. This made it more surprising for her when she was raided before the vote.

Charges were dropped, however, because prosecutors could not prove their case beyond reasonable doubt. She never let the case drag her down too much. About a year after the raid, while still waiting for her fate, was when she opened the first medical cannabis dispensary in the county.

No doubt this business owner is relieved to be moving on with her life. But situations like this are where the guidance of skilled marijuana attorneys can really make all the difference. Our law firm offers consultations for medical marijuana collectives, offering advice on how to become established in a way that remains in compliance with state and local laws. Instead of trying to interpret the law on your own, our experienced team will explain all the laws that apply to your current situation and location. There is no need to attempt to understand the motives of local officials who might not have your best interest at heart. Instead, rely on a tested legal team to set your course for success. Remember, though, if things do go south, our criminal defense lawyers will be there to protect your rights and build the best case possible.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

420 Warrior Of The Month: Chelsea Sutula, May 30, 2018, By Teddy Edwards, 420 Magazine

More Blog Entries:

California Authorities Caught on Hidden Camera During Cannabis Collective Raid, June 30, 2015, Cannabis Law Group

place, it’s time to get your house in order with the help of a trusted legal team. The city attorney and Los Angeles Police Department have made clear their commitment to ending the unlicensed marijuana marketplace in the city and have already filed 36 criminal cases, according to High Times. Punishments could include fines up to $1,000 and even jail time. Other shops are receiving cease-and-desist letters, and officials hope this round of charges will show others that they mean business.

These raids did not come without warning. Earlier in the year, officials from California Bureau of Cannabis Control sent warning letters to several hundred businesses they knew to be operating without licenses and promised civil and criminal action should they continue operating illegally. This is all good news for licensed cannabis business owners who have had to face stiff competition from a vast unregulated network. Applying for licenses and remaining in compliance both cost time and money, so those businesses that cut corners have a distinct advantage over those playing by the rules. Cities and states had high hopes for revenue that would be generated after Proposition 64 went into effect and recreational marijuana became legal in the state. Excise taxes collected have not met quarterly estimates, however, with $34 million being collected in the first three months, shy of what is necessary for the state to meet it’s predicted $175 million in the first year. Many believe this is because there is not tax revenue coming in from the unlicensed businesses and that the retailers that are in compliance have to set prices higher and cannot compete. Leveling the playing field will be a positive step for licensed business owners.

However, our Los Angeles marijuana defense attorneys know it’s not so clear cut. Often times, businesses would like to be operating above board. But many of the limited licenses are being gobbled up by big conglomerates who have the resources and infrastructure to make large investments upfront. Other unlicensed operations are small businesses who simply cannot sustain with the flood of taxes being imposed on cannabis dispensaries, growers, and distributors. Still others used to be in compliance when only medical marijuana laws were in place but have not been able to obtain a license when the state switched over to the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act. This law pooled all of the medical and recreational marijuana guidelines under one umbrella. Businesses who had been operating legally for years suddenly found themselves out in the cold if they could not obtain a new license right away. In order for the playing field to truly become level, there need to be some major adjustments with the process of establishing a business in the first place.

It’s one of the reasons our cannabis business attorneys work so hard to help cannabis operations apply for licenses, set sound business plans, offer advice on issues of compliance and provide consulting services as your business grows. With the help of an experienced legal team, businesses can clear some of the tricky obstacles of the marijuana retail business and set themselves up for success, while avoiding run-ins with local law enforcement in the future. Should you, however, find yourself on the wrong side of the law, our legal team also includes skilled criminal defense attorneys available to fight for you in court and help get you back on the right track. The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

Report: Most CA Marijuana Businesses Unable to Get License or are Operating Illegally Without One, May 1, 2018, Medical Marijuana Inc. News

More Blog Entries:

Warning Letters Sent to Unlicensed Cannabis Businesses in California, Feb. 18, 2018, Cannabis Law Group

Since then, standards have relaxed considerably, particularly locally at the Los Angeles International Airport. However, it’s not necessarily the same at your destination spot, so it’s important to be informed about your rights and responsibilities.

Current policy for marijuana at LAX essentially follows California state law, according to a report from Los Angeles Times. If an adult passenger has less than an ounce on hand, airport police allow them through security. This is true even if the person is headed to a location where marijuana is illegal. Transportation Security Administration agents have bigger fish to fry, so they leave dealing with issues like nominal amounts of cannabis up to local airport law enforcement, who have mostly been passive.

Los Angeles Councilperson Mitch Englander would like to give more consideration to federal law by encouraging passengers to surrender their cannabis before going through security. He proposes adding an “amnesty box” at the airport, where marijuana can be deposited before a flight – no questions asked, no penalties.As our Los Angeles marijuana criminal defense defense lawyers can explain, Englander’s primary concern is marijuana’s classification as a Schedule I narcotic according to the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812. A Schedule I classification means the federal government has determined cannabis has no medical benefit, is harmful and addictive. But 29 states and a growing mountain of evidence has concluded otherwise. Those states have passed laws that oppose the federal classification by legalizing medical marijuana. Eights of those, including California, approved recreational use of marijuana.

However, transportation of cannabis across state lines is still against the law – even if it’s legal in your destination state. It is also illegal to have as a carry-on or in luggage since an airplane falls under federal rule.

Some airports in states where cannabis is legal have banned marijuana to remain consistent with federal law. McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, for example, has amnesty boxes for travelers to rid themselves of their stash before boarding a flight. Police request and confiscate marijuana directly from passengers at Denver International Airport without amnesty boxes, but no one is punished for having it on the premises.

It seems unnecessary, however, to take such measures when Los Angeles airport police seem disinterested in enforcing any laws beyond those in the immediate vicinity. In fact, security officials at LAX seem more concerned about larger security risks. Lockers and receptacles, similar to the amnesty boxes, were removed from the airport after the Sept. 11 attacks, as they were an easy place to potentially hide explosives. Furthermore, using our valuable security resources to monitor something that poses no immediate threat is a waste, especially when there are more serious issues they must attend to.

We hope to see law enforcement continue to focus on criminals who pose a danger to society and others. For Los Angeles residents who do find themselves in trouble for a marijuana-related offense, our attorneys are on the ready to help defend you and your rights.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

Legal Marijuana Ends at Airport Security, Even if It’s Rarely Stopped, April 10, 2017, By Julie Weed, New York Times

More Blog Entries:

Report: Oregon Airport Allows Carry-On Cannabis, July 22, 2015, Cannabis Law Group

available to all adults on the infamous marijuana holiday of 4/20. While it is perfectly legal to enjoy the festivities, our experienced attorneys also know that Proposition 64 is not a free pass on all pot-related activities. Before imbibing in a safe and responsible way, keep in mind the laws remaining on the books per the CA Health and Safety Code, Division 10, Ch. 6, Article 2 could still result in criminal charges or civil citations.

The following is a list of a few major restrictions to keep in mind when enjoying the perks of recreational marijuana in California:

1. Public consumption: It is still generally illegal to ingest, smoke, or vaporize weed in a public place. There are some exceptions for state-licensed facilities with permission from local governments. Further, any non-smoking area is also off limits for smoking or vaporizing marijuana. It is also forbidden within 1,000 feet of a day care or school occupied by children (unless you are inside a private residence that falls within that perimeter).
2. Drugged driving: It should be a no-brainer that it is illegal to drive while under the influence of cannabis. As a recent article from The Sacramento Bee points out, taking one puff or consuming a small amount is not likely to cause impairment, much like a little alcohol is typically fine. However, it is more difficult to know where that line exists with marijuana. THC levels can vary widely, making it less clear what dose a person can consume without impairment. Marijuana can also set in slowly, meaning it could hit well after consumption, possibly while you’re on the road. This makes it difficult to judge simply by how you feel before you get in the car.Just like alcohol, drivers should be aware that open container laws also apply to cannabis. Open or unsealed containers of marijuana must be kept in the trunk, with the exception of those with a medical marijuana card. In those instances, cannabis can be in the main part of the vehicle, but still must be in a closed container. Our attorneys cannot emphasize enough, these laws also apply to passengers. The laws also apply to other motor vehicles, like boats and aircrafts.
3. Age restriction: You must be 21 years of age or older to consume cannabis recreationally. Period. The reasons for this restriction are not simply adults trying to ruin all the fun. Cannabis has been shown to potentially have a negative effect on developing brains, making young people who consume marijuana more susceptible to certain disorders.
4. Drug-free workplaces: Even if you have a super cool boss who doesn’t drug test and doesn’t mind if you use recreationally in your free time, chances are they do not approve of being under the influence while on the job. Don’t lose your career over something that can just as easily be enjoyed on your own time. And be extra cautious if you do not have a cool boss. California does not yet have in place protections for workers who test positive for cannabis, even though it’s legal in the state.

Our Los Angeles marijuana criminal defense lawyers first and foremost want everyone who is celebrating the “high holy day” to do so in a way that is safe. If you do find yourself in trouble, you need a skilled defense attorney like ours on your side who has the experience to provide strong representation for all marijuana-related criminal offenses.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

California Cannabis Laws, California NORML

More Blog Entries:

Los Angeles Marijuana Lawyers Available to Represent 4/20 Arrestees, April 24, 2013, Los Angeles Marijuana Lawyers Blog

, it is almost laughable how many misguided politicians and policymakers are still fighting against it. It is clear to our experienced cannabis attorneys that this conundrum is exactly why many good law-abiding citizens turn to dangerous knockoff substances that have weaseled their way into the market. They do not want to break the law or fail drug tests, but they want to enjoy the benefits of marijuana.

“Synthetic cannabinoids” have been around for years, marketed as legal marijuana knockoffs, when their relation to marijuana stops at their cheeky branding and colorful packaging. Reports are rolling in from Michigan and Illinois of people using K2 or “Spice” and ending up in emergency rooms with uncontrollable bleeding, according to a report from Michigan’s WILX10. A representative from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services claimed in the Midwest, more than 100 have been hospitalized and two have died from this drug. Other forms of so-called artificial pot in the past have reportedly caused side effects such as hallucinations, seizures, heart-rate issues, and other serious medical problems. You might be wondering if these types of drugs have been around for years and are so dangerous, why do they continue to be on the market? Our knowledgeable L.A. marijuana criminal defense attorneys can explain that producers of these drugs are using a pretty typical tactic to evade the law. When a substance is made illegal, it is based on the exact formula that makes up the compound. So when lawmakers pass a law banning a substance, producers only have to amend the formula slightly enough that is no longer is affected by the law. They then can flood the market and make a fine profit before officials catch on and start the long process of banning this new iteration. This is why even though the first version of “synthetic marijuana” was designed to try to mirror the real deal, it has changed so much that it has absolutely nothing in common, though it continues to smear the good name of cannabis.

Meanwhile, marijuana continues to be treated like toxic sludge by our federal government, which has steadfastly stood by the drug’s Schedule I classification under Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812. Because marijuana is a natural substance, those in the cannabis industry can’t just scramble the formula to push it past legal barriers, nor would they want to. They know cannabis, when grown, cultivated, and used in a responsible way, is a safe and effective drug, regardless of what its classification status claims. It can be used not only for medical purposes, but also for adults to enjoy as an alternative with fewer side effects to other recreational substances, such as alcohol.

Although many states are establishing laws and fighting for the rights of marijuana users and businesses, people across the country are still being treated like criminals for choosing a drug that is eons safer than legal knockoffs. Even in California with both medical and recreational legal guidelines in place through Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act, there are still wide swaths of the state with tight restrictions in place, continuing to treat marijuana users like criminals. That’s why our skilled defense attorneys are here to defend you should you find yourself in marijuana-related legal trouble in the Los Angeles area.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

Drug Testing Misses Synthetic Cannabinoids: Expert, April 6, 2016, Celia Vimont, Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

More Blog Entries:

Synthetic Marijuana Poses Serious Danger, July 19, 2016, Cannabis Law Group

in California (and regulating and taxing), it offers a unique opportunity for the state to make reparations of sort to the people and communities who have suffered the most from the destructive “War on Drugs,” which turned out to be more of a slanderous attack on marijuana and an assault on minorities. According to ACLU, most drug arrests between 2001-2010 were for marijuana, and a whopping 88% of those were for possession. Worse yet, black people were more than 3 times as likely to be arrested for marijuana-related crimes than white people despite having almost equal rates of use.

San Francisco and San Diego are leading the way in the state toward making amends for past marijuana-related crimes. The city’s district attorneys are proactively reviewing cases on the books and expunging misdemeanors that are no longer crimes, giving those who previously have been punished a clean slate. They also are checking for charges that can be reduced to lesser crimes.

But what about the rest of the state?Statewide, those with previous convictions can petition to have their cases reviewed and charges erased or reduced. Many, such as the district attorney’s offices in Sonoma and Mendocino counties, have cited lack of resources as the reason that they don’t review all cases, according to an article from The Press Democrat.

While our experienced marijuana criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles applaud any and all efforts to undo the overly aggressive enforcement of marijuana-related crimes, we also know that a petition system will leave many in the dust, unaware they are eligible for such relief or uninformed about how to apply. These people will lose out on the benefits a revised record can bring, including making it easier to secure work and housing.

Others agree. Legislation has been proposed that if passed would take the efforts in San Francisco and San Diego all over the state, automatically putting all relevant cases up for review. And while resources certainly could be an issue for some areas, there’s no reason more of the state taxes from marijuana sales could not be allocated for this important cause.

Meanwhile, our attorneys can help you assess if your old convictions are eligible for review. We also are here to fight for your rights if you are currently battling criminal charges. Our law firm includes skilled attorneys who focus solely on criminal cases to give you the strongest support possible for your case.

Besides reviewing criminal records, many regions are using resources to make amends in other ways. For example, Oakland and Los Angeles are setting up social equity programs, which offer aide to those applying for marijuana business licenses who have previous cannabis convictions. In addition, those related to someone with a previous conviction would see favor, in an attempt to lift up families. The programs would also favor low-income applicants, particularly those from areas whose economies were deeply effected by widespread cannabis-related arrests.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

Petitions Required in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties to Clear, Reduce Pot-Related Crimes, Feb. 10. 2018, By Julie Johnson, The Press Democrat

More Blog Entries:

Two California Cities Erasing Misdemeanor Marijuana Convictions, Feb. 9, 2018, Marijuana Criminal Defense Lawyers Blog

Some of the obvious pros for marijuana legalization include economic opportunities, increased taxes flowing in to the state coffers and fewer jails and prison packed with non-violent drug offenders

. California is already beginning to experience these perks since the passage last month of the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act. The drug is still deemed a Schedule I narcotic under the federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812.

The issue of non-violent drug arrests and convictions has been a controversial one in recent years, with some politicians clinging to the illogical argument that a failure to crack down on low-level possession leads to widespread and dangerous use. This just isn’t true, but this flawed thinking and aggressive enforcement of arcane laws has dearly cost individuals, families and communities (particularly those that are majority minority).Now, San Francisco and San Diego are taking it a step farther by clearing marijuana possession criminal records for thousands of people, according to a New York Times report. The San Francisco district attorney’s office said it is expunging about 3,000 misdemeanor convictions that go back 40 years. In addition, 4,900 felony cases will be reviewed and considered for reduction to misdemeanors in San Francisco.

In San Diego, 4,700 cases are under review to either clear or reduce charges. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, about 700 have been reduced so far. The process started with about 55 cases where people were either in prison or fulfilling probation that were considered top priority. Of those incarcerated, some were serving extensive sentences of up to 18 years.

Other cities are also taking steps in this direction by reviewing convictions on a case-by-case basis. In addition, Rob Bonta (D-Oakland) introduced AB-1793, which if passed would automatically expunge eligible cannabis convictions statewide.

Under California’s new law, citizens with low-level offenses on their records can petition to have them erased, but it can be an expensive process and many aren’t even aware they qualify. These two cities are skipping the petition step and just taking care of the records themselves, though San Diego is still encouraging people to fill out the application form so their cases do not get lost in the review process.

Clearing and reducing records will make it possible for these citizens to not be hindered in achieving basic goals, such as finding work or obtaining housing or loans, particularly when their crimes are not even considered illegal on the state level anymore. Same cases are not eligible to have charges downgraded, including those of people who also have sex crime convictions or violent crimes on their record.

Our Los Angeles marijuana defense lawyers are proud that California is leading the country in creating equity in the era of marijuana legalization. Other states have been lagging in this area, with Nevada’s governor vetoing a bill that would have cleared low-level offense records and Colorado dragging its feet for five years before even allowing residents to apply to have certain convictions erased. If you are being tried for a marijuana-related crime or need guidance on whether you qualify to have a previous charge reduced on your record, our attorneys have the year of experience to assist you.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.

Additional Resources:

San Francisco Will Clear Thousands of Marijuana Convictions, Jan. 31, 2018, By Timothy Williams and Thomas Fuller, New York Times

More Blog Entries:

New Program in Works to Help Mitigate Marijuana Convictions in LA, Nov. 6, 2017, Los Angeles Marijuana Defense Lawyers Blog

A Shocking Case Study There is perhaps no stronger argument for the overreaching of authority by the San Diego District Attorney’s Office than its treatment of a defense attorney. The attorney represents a marijuana distributor, Med-West, which has been under investigation by the DA’s office, in spite of the evidence its corporate officers have consistently provided to establish that it operates lawfully. In the course of her representation, the attorney sent an email to the client containing the words “plausible deniability”. This email was the basis of a criminal indictment of the attorney for being an accessory to a crime after the fact. Not only was the attorney indicted in blatant disregard of her client’s attorney-client privilege, but she was also treated with a surprising amount of aggression in the execution of the resulting warrant. She was arrested by an armed SWAT team at the home she shares with her boyfriend and mother. There, handcuffed and still in pajamas, her arrest warrant was read aloud “just loud enough for the neighbors to hear”. The District Attorney’s Office was amazingly cavalier in its response when asked about this case. According to Slate, a public affairs officer claimed that “attorneys who do not break the law should have no concerns about attorney-client privilege”. This theory ignores a fact which every prosecutor must know in order to practice law: the attorney-client privilege is a right held by a client, and attorneys have a legal obligation to protect it vehemently. As one law professor aptly summed up the situation: “[The San Diego District Attorney’s] Office does not respect medical marijuana laws.” This may explain why the DA’s office seized $100,000 from the personal account of the owner of Med-West. The owner was eventually able to sue the DA’s office for the return of the funds with interest, but this did not stop their pursuit of his company. Within days of the return, felony charges had been filed against the company, the owner, and the lawyer. What San Diego Dispensaries and Medical Marijuana Users Can Do to Protect Their Legal Rights If you or your business has become the target of a criminal investigation, it is important to contact an experienced Southern California marijuana defense attorney as soon as possible. He or she may not be able to stop an investigation entirely, but the attorney will be able to protect your rights against self-incrimination and illegal searches and seizures. More importantly, an attorney can file motions or civil lawsuits with the court to stop harassing behaviors which are made under the pretext of a legitimate law enforcement investigation. The Los Angeles Cannabis Law Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients and those facing marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734. Additional Resources: District Attorneys Gone Wild, September 29, 2017, by Jessica Pishko, Slate More Blog Entries: San Diego Ordered to Return $100,000 to Medical Marijuana Business Owner, May 11, 2017 by Cannabis Law Group