recreational marijuana retailers is way lower than the demand in California. For every 100,000 residents, there is less than one store available that sells adult-use product, according to recent data released by Marijuana Business Daily. Furthermore, most of those stores are crammed into a few select areas, due to the fact that Prop 64 allows local governments to opt out of allowing sales or cultivation, though they are not allowed to ban personal use. To be more precise, there are 482 cities in California, and to date, only 70 of those cities allow retailers to sell recreational marijuana.

Comparatively speaking, this puts California not only behind its own estimates for store fronts and sales figures, but also behind its peers. It’s been nine months since recreational marijuana sales began in the state. At the nine-month mark in Colorado, the state had awarded 242 licenses. Considering the state has a smaller population than California, this put the total at 4.3 stores per 100,000 residents. Now, Colorado has 10 times the amount of stores per capita, while Oregon currently has 15 times more recreational marijuana stores per person.There also is a disparity in shops readily available to each person, an imbalance created by areas like Bakersfield and Fresno. Each is a densely packed city that has banned cannabis sales. The combined 900,000 residents have to travel more than an hour to get access to legal recreational marijuana. Divided among the 70 cities that allow recreational sales are 358 licensed adult-use cannabis retailers. Three of those cities – San Francisco, Sacramento, and Los Angeles – are home to half of those retailers, even though they are composed of only 14 percent of the state’s population.

It’s a shame, particularly because the supply/demand issue has nothing to do with a lack of product. Plenty of cultivators are growing cannabis in California, especially to the north in the area known as the Emerald Triangle. This area is the largest marijuana growing region in the world. But without the stores to sell product, and the testing facilities to keep up with ensuring the cannabis meets regulations, there are massive issues with bottle-necking along the supply chain. Unfortunately, this has driven both product and customers to the black market simply because there is not a practical, legal way to fulfill market demand throughout the state.

Our experienced Los Angeles marijuana lawyers are optimistic these numbers will balance out over time, especially as more cities adapt to allow for sales. For example, Long Beach is now among those who have lifted their bans on marijuana sales, with recreational programs beginning Sept. 1. It does not mean, however, that the transition will be easy. Each city not only has the right to ban cannabis sales, but also has the freedom to establish their own sets of regulations if they do legalize. That is where the knowledge of our trusted legal team can offer tremendous value to your business. We have a thorough understanding of how to balance local and state laws to cover marijuana businesses as they establish themselves and into the future.

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:

Searchable Database: See How Cannabis Laws, Support Differ Among California Cities, Jan. 4, 2018, The Cannifornian

More Blog Entries:

Hashing Out Cannabis Supply Issues, June 13, 2018, Cannabis Law Group

than it does in California. According to Associated Press, the new law that recently went into effect did not include provisions for how to tax and regulate marijuana production. As our marijuana attorneys can explain, this means while residents can possess and consume cannabis, they cannot open up a business to sell recreational products.

Broken down into more precise terms, this is what adult-use legalization means for those in Vermont. Residents are allowed to have four immature cannabis plants and two mature plants in their homes, so while it’s true there are no stores to purchase from, marijuana can be grown at home. Plants must be in enclosures that are secure and obscured from public view. Renters, however, must have permission from their landlords before they are allowed to begin a grow. Those 21 years and older are allowed to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, but it cannot be consumed in public spaces.Aside from home grows and all their limitations, the only other options Vermont residents have is to procure marijuana by illicit means. This is not unlike the way medical marijuana started in Vermont. Medical marijuana was legalized in the state in 2004 with the passage of Senate Bill 76. This law offered protections to qualifying patients and their caregivers who possessed or cultivated marijuana. The move was more about making sure that people who needed cannabis for health reasons were not treated like criminals, rather than giving them a concrete way to access and distribute cannabis products. As anyone in the medical marijuana industry knows, this is problematic because it limits the ways patients can consume marijuana and is a really imprecise way to attain proper strains and dosages to treat specific symptoms. It wasn’t until 2011 that the infrastructure really began to take shape when Senate Bill 17 allowed four state-licensed nonprofit organizations to dispense medical marijuana.

Vermont is also unusual in that it is the first state to legalize recreational marijuana through legislation rather than a ballot measure. In 2015, legislators attempted to push bills through that would establish a regulated system for recreational cannabis sales, but could not get any traction. A few attempts to legalize possession hit walls in 2017. Finally in early 2018, a possession, use, and cultivation bill passed. Once again, the intention of the state is clear: officials know people are already using marijuana recreationally, and so long as they follow guidelines, there’s no reason they should not be allowed to carry on.

Our Los Angeles recreational marijuana lawyers hope this new law paves the way for a more official adult-use marketplace to be established in Vermont in the near future. Most states have already come to realize the medical benefits of cannabis. The more states recognize cannabis as a benign recreational alternative to already socially acceptable products like alcohol and cigarettes, the quicker we can move forward together as a country. Right now marijuana businesses in California are still stifled by federal laws. The sooner we all unite on this issue, the more opportunities we will have to expand cannabis business ventures nationwide.

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:

Vermont Medical Marijuana Laws & Regulations, Americans for Safe Access

More Blog Entries:

Vermont Governor Signs Recreational Marijuana into Law, Feb. 1, 2018, Marijuana Law Blog

when they make a purchase. When Proposition 64 went into effect Jan. 1, adult-use marijuana became legal in the state, with local governments able to set up their own regulations or bans. But there are currently loopholes that threaten the privacy of customers.

Assembly Bill 2402 seeks to tighten those loopholes. Assemblyman Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) introduced the bill, which would prevent cannabis retailers from selling customer information to third parties. It would also protect customer information from employers looking to investigate employee use, according to Capital Public Radio. It mirrors similar rules that are currently in place for medical marijuana users.

Because you must be 21 or older to purchase cannabis in California, dispensaries require a valid ID to prove your age. Though it is not mandatory, some dispensaries will keep a record of the information on file. Some use this information for marketing purposes. Many also keep such records in order to monitor how much someone is purchasing in a day, according to Politifact. This could be necessary if a business needed to prove they are in compliance with state law, which caps individual recreational marijuana sales to one ounce per day.For deliveries, personal information is kept on file as record that the person receiving the delivery is 21 or older. And dispensaries are required under licensing regulations to videotape each transaction.

This bill would tighten up what businesses are and are not allowed to do with private information. Our lawyers know this would be a victory for customers and recreational marijuana businesses alike. The more comfortable people are, the more they will feel good about purchasing marijuana, and the more the industry will thrive. While we believe there’s no reason for marijuana users to feel they need to hide, a stigma still exists, and people deserve to be able to enjoy this legal and safe activity while keeping their privacy intact.

However, the bill will not protect customers from federal officials. Because marijuana is still considered a Schedule I narcotic under Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812, federal authorities would still have the right to confiscate customer information. Most don’t believe the federal government has the interest or the resources to go after individual users, though. While we hope this is true, it really demonstrates the importance of reclassifying marijuana, which we know has no reason to be listed among the likes of dangerous drugs, like heroin.

If you are a cannabis business owner, it’s important you be aware of best practices for handling the private information of customer, while also keeping in compliance with state and local laws. Our trusted Los Angeles recreational marijuana attorneys have the experience and know-how to advise you through this sometimes confusing process.

We also are there to protect the interest of marijuana users. There are still those who are clinging to outdated ideas about cannabis who will use their power to try to stop progress. We have both criminal and civil attorneys prepared to stand up for you and your rights should you encounter trouble.

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:

Bill Would Boost Privacy For California Marijuana Customers, Feb. 19, 2018, Chris Nichols, Capital Public Radio

More Blog Entries:

California Now Accepting Recreational Marijuana Business License Applications, Dec. 12, 2017, Cannabis Law Group

In Los Angeles and other areas in California, government employees are getting warning letters reminding them that they are not allowed to consume marijuana, even while off-duty, saying their employers strict no-drug policies have not changed, even as state laws have evolved into the 21st century, according to NBC Los Angeles.

The warnings were spurred by the passing of Proposition 64, which led to legalization of recreational marijuana in California as of Jan. 1. Los Angeles is one of the cities which has welcomed legalization efforts and cannabis businesses. Meanwhile, it is clear many will not be able to enjoy the same freedoms as their fellow residents.

No one is arguing the merits of such a policy when it comes to consuming anything that might impair a worker while on the clock. But prohibiting marijuana use on one’s own time is as ridiculous as forbidding an employee from enjoying a glass of wine after a long day at work.Our trusted cannabis legalization attorneys in Los Angeles know that many places of employment will continue to hide behind federal classification of marijuana as a Schedule I drug under Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812. That is why it is so important to keep pushing to declassify this beneficial drug, which science has proven time and again has no business being on the same list with drugs such as heroin. However, as things are highly unlikely to change under the current administration, it is crucial to seek legal guidance from knowledgeable attorneys like ours with the experience and know-how to help you navigate the landscape of cannabis laws should you find yourself in trouble, caught between state laws and federal grandstanding.

Metro transit employees were reminded that they are still held accountable by federal Department of Transportation rules, which abide by the Schedule I misclassification. Los Angeles Fire Department reinforced their rule to be a drug- and alcohol-free workplace, and that there would be ramifications for workers appearing on the job under the influence. Such rules are obviously necessary, especially among safety workers. But it is ludicrous that such policies should have any bearing on how an employee spends their personal time while not on-call.

Los Angeles Police Department issued the most pointed memo, explicitly stating marijuana use is not allowed “for any reason” even while off-duty. “Department policy is unaffected by the legalization of adult-use marijuana,” the memo said.

Other non-government businesses have also clung to federal law to guide company policies, including disciplining workers who test positive for marijuana during drug screenings, even without evidence that they were impaired while at work. Our marijuana attorneys have seen the tides changing, though, and are hopeful they will continue to shift. Smart businesses know that the world is moving forward, and in order to remain competitive and retain the best employees, company policies must adapt with the times. They can do so by dropping marijuana from random drug tests and screenings and focus more on performance and whether workers are impaired on the job.

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:

Local Agencies Warn Employees Against Using Recreational Marijuana, Even Off-Duty, Feb. 7, 2018, By Eric Leonard, NBC Los Angeles

More Blog Entries:

Employers Revisiting Policies on Marijuana, Jan. 1, 2018, Cannabis Law Group

Proposition 215, i.e. the Compassionate Use Act of 1996. And while the state is a little behind others, such as Colorado, to join the recreational marijuana movement, it will set an example for the rest of the country with Los Angeles expected to skyrocket to the top of the list of the largest commercial markets in the country.

Los Angeles is among cities in California who have approved recreational marijuana activity after the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (or Proposition 64) went into effect Jan. 1, though the city is still finalizing regulations and collecting applications.

This is a fantastic step toward removing the long-held stigmas surrounding cannabis, paving the way toward normalization of marijuana both as a significantly beneficial medical resource, and also as a safe, non-lethal recreational device. Now that both are legal in California, though, be prepared to see a shift in the market.

While many in the state have been seeking more intensive medical marijuana treatment, such as for cancer or PTSD or epilepsy, others have known for a long time that marijuana was a safe alternative to other casual vices, according to an article from the Associated Press. These residents have taken advantage of the numerous pop-up doctor’s offices promising cheap medical marijuana recommendations with few to no questions about the reported ailments of the patients who walk in.

Our Los Angeles marijuana legalization lawyers are glad that these residents will finally be able to have access to cannabis in the way they want to use it without hiding in the shadow of medical use. This move will be beneficial to all, with medical users being able to have their treatments taken more seriously and recreational users being able to function more freely. Plus, the state will profit off of a new stream of revenue, with more consumers and higher tax rates being placed on recreational cannabis than on medical.

However, it will have an impact on those businesses who counted on the overflow of medical users, many of whom might now choose recreational use, forgoing the process of obtaining a recommendation letter from a doctor and a medical marijuana card. This process was put in place because marijuana is still a Schedule I narcotic according to the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812, meaning that a doctor is not allowed to write a traditional prescription.

A study from the university of California Agricultural Issues Center states that, while it is expected to remain a powerhouse industry, medical cannabis revenue could drop from $2 billion to $1.4 billion, while recreational revenue is predicted to be in the ballpark of $5 billion in the next year.

As such, some dispensaries are planning to convert into more traditional marijuana retail establishments with edibles and products for the more casual user. If you are considering such a move, this is the time to speak with our legal team to review your business plan and make sure it is in line with the new and evolving local and state regulations.

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:

Revenue Hit Predicted for California’s Medical Pot Market, Dec. 28, 2017, By John Rogers, Associated Press

More Blog Entries:

L.A. Slated to Become the Largest U.S. City with Legalized Recreational Marijuana, Dec. 7, 2017, L.A. Marijuana Lawyer Blog

owners of California with the implementation of the Adult Use of Marijuana Act at the start of this new year, legalizing recreational marijuana.

Commercial sales were legalized in California as of Jan. 1, but the exact date of implementation varies from region to region based on local laws and ordinances. Some areas have even decided to maintain a ban on recreational use, such as Kern County, while others have not yet decided the fate of their particular city or region yet.

Officials such as Lori Ajax, chief of the Bureau of Cannabis Control, explain that this complicates the rollout process, making it unclear to citizens as to what to expect throughout the state in the months ahead.According to a report from the Associated Press, Ajax said business owners need to secure local permits as well as state licenses before opening their doors. This has caused delays in some areas, including Los Angeles.

This can also cause ripples throughout the supply chain across the state. Retailers must coordinate with distributors, manufacturers, testers, and growers. If some links in the chain aren’t in compliance or don’t have licensing, it can affect businesses throughout the state. For example, if retailers are all set up, but they don’t have ready access to product, there is no business.

Beyond the basics of licensing are the many regulations required for a business to operate above board. It’s probable state officials will be making repeat visits to commercial establishments to ensure all guidelines are being met.

Our Los Angeles recreational marijuana lawyers are here to provide expertise and assistance to business owners in California looking to secure licenses, permits, and ensure compliance. This will make the process much less complicated for you as the owner, and cut back on delays that could derail your business. We can teach you all you need to know to set up and successfully run your company.

Such education is key to long-term success of the marijuana marketplace, according to the Bureau for Cannabis Control. The economy depends on as many businesses getting on board with regulations as possible. Otherwise the black market will be an unruly competitor, able to operate without necessary regulations and taxes.

It could also mean that enforcement of regulations is weighted by priority. The bureau said, for example, that egregious violations of course need to be punished, but businesses that are making an honest effort to be in compliance should not be treated as harshly. This will encourage more businesses to adhere to guidelines rather than operate in the shadows. Our lawyers applaud efforts to make this transition to legal operations as smooth as possible for law-abiding business owners and understand the steps necessary to help businesses get there.

These same local regulations make it complicated for average residents to know their rights as well. Similar to tobacco use, smoking is restricted in public, particularly around schools, daycares with children, and while driving. Recreational use inside a business will be up to local governments.

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

Additional Resources:

Q&A: California’s Marijuana Czar Explains Legalization, Dec. 23, 2017, By Michael R. Blood, The Associated Press

Other Blog Entries:

Concerns About Recreational Marijuana in California, July 15, 2017, L.A. Marijuana Lawyer Blog