The reform that Schumer and other lawmakers are discussing would also have a restorative justice element for those previously convicted of marijuana-related offenses.

The failed “War on Drugs” has inevitably proved to be a war on people (namely, people and communities of color). Ending prohibition is essential, but it’s really just the start. Some of the damage can never be undone, but restorative justice measures that erase criminal records for non-violent marijuana-related offenses is necessary to begin turning the tide and helping the communities that have been decimated by these drug policies.

This is especially important in light of the fact that California, like many other states, have legalized the drug and opened the door for growing, harvesting, processing and sales to turn a profit – while individuals are still serving decades-long sentences for the very same deeds.

Senators planned to release a draft of comprehensive reform legislation sometime in the first half of the year, with the goal of passing that reform later this year.

In addition to tossing prohibition and enacting some form of restorative justice, the lawmakers said the package should have some type of uniform tax and regulatory rules to help make the process easier for those traveling or doing business across state lines. That could potentially mean markets will be substantially more open.

This isn’t the first time Schumer and others in Congress have pressed for cannabis decriminalization laws. This time, though, it seems the measure has a real shot at passing – particularly given the growing public support for marijuana legalization. A Gallup poll late last year revealed nearly 70 percent of Americans were in favor of legalizing the plant. What’s more, every single initiative that involved legalization or decriminalization of marijuana in the U.S. last year passed.

Just this year, voters in both Arizona and New Jersey approved measures to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults. Even historically much more conservative states, like Mississippi, agreed to legalize it for medicinal use. As it now stands, 36 states allow medicinal use of the drug while 15 and the District of Columbia allow it for adult recreational use. Oregon has even taken it a step further by decriminalizing hard drugs.

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:

Democratic senators will push to pass pot reform bill this year, Feb. 1, 2020, By Christian Nunley, CNBC

That said, our Los Angeles marijuana business lawyers have been fierce defenders of those involved in cultivating, manufacturing, selling, using, prescribing and advertising marijuana for more than a decade. We have become deft at examining the trends as we advise our clients, many of whom were better off than some other businesses due to their designation by the state as “essential.”

In looking at the year ahead, our marijuana lawyers see a handful of factors that will likely impact the future of the industry and the clients we serve.

More Efficient Oversight by the State

Marijuana businesses in California are heavily regulated – some nearly to death. Things could get a little easier in 2021 given a plan by the governor to fold the three state departments responsible for overseeing the state’s legal cannabis markets into one. Marijuana oversight operations in the Department of Public Health for product makers, the Bureau of Cannabis Control for retailers, distributors and labs and the Department of Food and Agriculture for growers would be combined into a single operation, the Department of Cannabis Control. This could be a huge relief to cannabis operators, as every link in the supply chain would have a single point of contact.

It was already supposed to have happened this past summer, but COVID-19 derailed those plans. New estimates are that the DCC will become a reality late this year or possibly even next year.

Last month, the chief of the BCC retired after having been appointed by the previous governor to oversee the launch of industry regulations and oversight. Not everyone has been happy with every decision she’s made, but most agree that loss of her experience may have result in some setbacks for the industry. Although there is some speculation about who her replacement will be, the governor hasn’t yet announced it.

Regional Cannabis Marketing Legalization

We’ve mentioned this in previous blog posts, but the new appellation program is going to allow cannabis to be marketed by city/county/regional name, in the very same way wine is. This is considered to be a big boost when we look at what appellations rights did for California wine businesses in places like Napa Valley. Cannabis cultivators will have the legally protected right to advertise their products as being grown in specific places in the state with certain elevations, soil compositions and climates that are known to impact the end product quality.

That requirement, which requires the cannabis be grown in the ground with local soil and no artificial light, began Jan. 1st. The move is expected to help smaller, sun-grown operations in Northern California especially. Those in Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles counties, however, may actually be adversely affected, as these localities don’t currently allow outdoor cannabis farming.

California Cannabis Reforms on the Table

There is some hope that lawmakers this year will pick up and keep moving on legislative actions that were stalled by the pandemic. Among these:

• Lower tax rates for marijuana products. (The current rate makes it difficult to compete with illegal growers.)
• Regulation of medical cannabis for pets.
• Regulation of hemp-derived CBD.
• Approval of drive-through marijuana retail operations.
• Streamlining of all cannabis business license applications from a single platform.
• Approval of trade samples between businesses.
• Increasing the amount of marijuana that marijuana delivery drivers can legally transport.

And of course, there is as always an ardent hope that federal cannabis law will change. This may take a back seat until the pandemic and related issues are resolved, but it remains a critical matter for California’s budding marijuana businesses.

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:

Marijuana: 4 things to watch for in California in 2021, Dec. 28, 2020, By Brooke Staggs, Orange County Register

Some of the trends our Los Angeles marijuana business lawyers recognize as specific to our state include:

• More cannabis business license opportunities in Los Angeles and throughout the state.
• Ongoing evolution of consumer preferences as well as product maturation.
• Pressure from consumers and businesses on taxes and pricing.
• Newly available legal finance and banking services.

Although these are mainly positive developments on the horizon, some could lead to a degree of market volatility. Still, all indicators are that California’s legal cannabis market will continue to grow by leaps and bounds. Voters in various parts of the state passed dozens of local initiatives that establish a regulatory and tax framework for new marijuana businesses to become established. That means we’re going to see more marijuana businesses set up shop.

It’s true that the black market and cumbersome state and local taxation continues to weigh on existing businesses and hamper new opportunities, consumers are becoming more discerning between licensed and unlicensed operations. The value of licensing and regulation was especially poignant during the vape crisis, as well as the pandemic. We expect to see a heightened focus on health, safety, quality control, and legitimacy of products. Further, industry analysts expect licensed pot products will begin coming down in price, which would cut directly into the demand of unlicensed operators.

Demand is likely to remain high as well. Cannabis consumption has surged in the months following the COVID-19 pandemic, as people’s anxieties have mounted. While we do hope 2021 is far less stressful for everyone than 2020, it’s unlikely we’ll see a precipitous drop in the number of consumers, particularly with more product options available – some specifically designed to help with anxiety and insomnia.

There may also be increased demand among cannabis connoisseurs, who are anticipated to pay a premium for products designated by the new state appellations program, which launches next month. This is the program that works similar to the wine industry and allows for unique marketing opportunities based on cultivation methods and region.

Smaller Shops Feel the Squeeze

Although the niche market for marijuana continues to thrive, smaller retail shops have been feeling squeezed. Cannabis operations were deemed “essential” in the midst of the pandemic, but those with more capital to start have fared better. Supply chains are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and larger operators are increasingly dominating the market.

Competition appears to be especially fierce among manufacturers, though many cultivators too have expressed difficulty keeping pace with the meandering network of local and state regulations – particularly track-and-trace requirements.

All this may mean that some operations may be edged out of the market, though we may well see some operations shift to jurisdictions that have more favorable regulatory and tax rules.

Local delivery services continue to do well, particularly as concerns about the pandemic have changed the way people shop for marijuana. In one survey, nearly 4 in 10 consumers stated they were at least moderately concerned about going in-person to a marijuana shop.

Economic Reforms

Although it’s unlikely federal legalization will happen in 2021 (despite the recent passage of reform in the House, which probably won’t clear the Senate), we may see some easing of restrictions for financial services to cannabis companies.

This may allow many struggling operations to stay afloat, as they’d have debt financing options, credit and the ability not only to survive to but to innovate and possibly expand.

If you are a cannabis company in need of legal services to help you navigate these challenges, our experienced team can help.

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:

World $350+ Billion Cannabis Cultivation (Hemp, Marijuana) Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis to 2027, Dec. 3, 2020, Yahoo! Finance

The money will be earmarked to:

• Extend technical assistance.
• Waive or reduce licensing fees.
• Help with recruitment.
• Training and retention of a workforce that’s not only qualified but diverse.
• Measures of business resilience, like emergency preparedness plans.

At least $23 million will be set aside for no- or low-interest loans to cannabis businesses or applicants from places disproportionately impacted by disparate marijuana prohibition enforcement. The goal is to right the wrongs of past discrimination and also promote diversity.

Among the designated areas where pot shop owners can apply to receive equity business development grants include:

• Oakland – $5.6 million
• Los Angeles – $6 million
• San Francisco $5 million
• Sacramento – $3.8 million

Criminalization of the plant had a more sizable impact on these communities and populations throughout the state, in part resulting in these individuals having a more difficult time successfully breaking into the burgeoning industry. They had less access to capital to launch a business, in turn making it tougher to secure the space, tech support and help with regulatory compliance issues.

The grant money is intended to help with these elements, which not only bolsters these individuals but helps to reduce the threat of black market sales in California.

California isn’t alone in taking such action. Washington state also recently did the same thing.

But social equity programs still don’t eliminate the disproportionate impact.

Disparity in Marijuana Possession Enforcement Persists

The ACLU recently reported that even as overall marijuana arrests have fallen since Prop. 64 was passed in 2016, enforcement continues to be disparate along racial lines.

In some states where marijuana has yet to be decriminalized, police are arresting black individuals at a 10-fold higher rate than their white counterparts, despite being no more likely to use or sell the drug. Nationally, black people are nearly four times as likely to be arrested for marijuana possession as white people. There is not a single state where marijuana possession arrests are relatively equal across racial lines.

In 2018, arrests for marijuana still accounted for almost half of all drug-related arrests. Nearly 90 percent of those were for simple possession.

Although legalization has slashed the number of overall marijuana arrests across the board, it has not substantially reduced or eliminated the much higher arrests rates of black individuals. On average, states where marijuana is legal tend to have lower racial disparities in enforcement, but they still exist.

L.A. Marijuana Business Lawyers Can Help With Equity Loan Applications

The lasting damage of the War on Drugs can’t be undone. Still, our L.A. marijuana business lawyers agree with the ACLU’s mitigation recommendations, which are:

• Legalization of marijuana by the federal and all state governments;
• Expunging of prior marijuana convictions;
• Clemency to those still incarcerated on marijuana charges;
• Legal marijuana marketplaces should be made more accessible to those living in communities harmed by the decades-long drug war.

Our marijuana business lawyers are available to assist you in applying for this grant money to secure the capital you need to get your cannabis company off the ground.

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:

Cannabis Equity Grants Program for Local Jurisdictions, April 21, 2020, California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development

The emergency rule, following an executive order from the governor, was made the same day the CDC announced there was a possibility of a breakthrough in the effort to ascertain the cause of vape-related illnesses.

As reported by The Spokesman-Review, the ban is in place for the next 120 days. One cannabis vaping company filed a lawsuit against the state department of health, seeking at least a temporary restraining order to halt the ban. A judge denied the request, and it’s unclear whether the plaintiff vaping business will file an appeal. The next hearing in the case isn’t slated until February.

Youth Health Concerns Cited as Cause for Vape Ban

Officials with the Washington Department of Health defended their action, asserting it was necessary to do so immediately for the well-being and health of young people, who were putting themselves at risk for addiction and severe lung injury. Tobacco-flavored products are still available and legally sold – to adults.

Starting in January, no one under 21 will be allowed to purchase any vaping product in Washington state. All tobacco product sales will also be restricted to those over 21.

Authorities in Washington have reported 14 cases of vape-related illness and lung disease.

Health officials haven’t unequivocally pinpointed the cause, but CDC officials say new research seems to confirm a common link: vitamin E acetate identified 29 patient samples. Vitamin E acetate is a substance usually employed to dilute others, such as cosmetics. Health experts say that while it can be applied topically, it’s not meant to be inhaled. When it’s heated and inhaled from a vape pen, research suggests that it may release a type of toxic gas called ketene. It is this that has the potential to burn the lungs. Most of the samples the CDC tested were from products that also contained THC, but that’s almost certainly a coincidence.

California a Patchwork of Vaping Bans by Jurisdiction

As our Los Angeles THC vapor company attorneys can explain, most of the sales of these products containing this dangerous substance aren’t occurring in legitimate, licensed stores. They’re happening on the black market. Still, without clear labeling requirements from health officials, many marijuana vape manufacturers don’t disclose all the ingredients in their products. The state health board insists that is likely soon to change. There is already a proposal being drafted by state lawmakers for introduction as a bill next year.

In California, state health officials have issued warnings, urging people to stop vaping immediately and officials have begun cracking down on counterfeit and/or unlicensed sales. But thusfar, there has not been a statewide ban. Cities and counties, however, have implemented some of their own, leading to an even more complex web of marijuana regulation for businesses to follow. The Sacramento Bee reported at the end of September that roughly 50 jurisdictions in California have restricted or outright prohibited the sale of flavored tobacco and/or marijuana vape products. Los Angeles County passed its ban on flavored e-cigarettes and menthol cigarettes and is weighing calls to ban the sale of all vaping products.

The governor stated he did not have the authority himself to enact a ban on flavored vape products, but he has asked for funding to raise public awareness.

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:

Washington ban on flavored vape products stands, as CDC says it found link to vaping illness, Nov. 8, 2019, By Arielle Dreher, The Spokesman-Review

But that sub-culture might be threatened if auto-trim machines become increasingly popular. A human hand-trimmer can process somewhere between 1 and 3 lbs daily, and are paid a rate of roughly $12 to $20 hourly. Auto-trim machines, meanwhile, can process a great deal more – smaller machines between 3 and 5 lbs an hour and larger trimmers up to 60 pounds an hour.

It is true the machines can be costly, but they tend to pay for themselves very quickly. As our Los Angeles marijuana business lawyers know, the financial burden of heavy regulation and taxation plus fierce competition from the black market has legal cannabis companies keen to seize on anything they can to tamp down their costs.

Advantages of Human Hand-Trimmers

Some consider proper trimming of the cannabis plant something of a craft, with many growers and consumers preferring the result of a plant handled with care by human hands. Some have even asserted that machines may degrade or even strip the natural properties from the plant.

Weed cultivators have said that while the machines may process dense buds effectively, those that are less dense can end up being overly-processed – something a hand-trimmer can help avoid. That means growers ultimately end up with more product to sell. Further, the product that is auto-processed tends to be less potent (which can have an adverse impact on one’s reputation and brand). One cannabis farmer said that when hand-trimmers are working on the crops, there is a bud-trim ratio of about 70/30. With a machine, it’s more like 50/50.

That’s why some who dived into machine processing early on have since abandoned it and gone back to relying on hand-trimmers. Smaller, boutique operators are more likely to make this choice, considering a point of pride and an advantage over the large corporations that mass-produce the crop.

At least a fair number of consumers seem willing to pay a bit more for buds that have been trimmed by hand, indicating they notice a difference.

Some cannabis growers have gotten around this with a technicality: Trimming most buds with a machine, but having live trimmers on hand to do touch up work.

Industry May be Slower to Change

As our Los Angeles marijuana business lawyers can explain, these are just a few reasons why hand-trimmers may not be completely obsolete, at least not right away.

Another has to do with the current rush on legal licenses to grow. So many new businesses and other states are entering the legal market, and many of those are keen to rely on what they know works. For those eager to get the ball rolling, it can be easier to hire temporary or seasonal staffers to complete trim jobs, rather than invest right away in a large piece of equipment.

Still, the demand for hand-trimmers overall is likely to shrink considerably in the years to come, especially as the demand for extracts grow. Those who consume marijuana buds for baking or smoking may favor the well-trimmed variety. However, those buying extracts never see the flower itself, so the quality of the trimming may be of less importance (unless it affects potency).

And it may be that the role of trimmers shifts rather than evaporates. Many trimmers aren’t assigned solely to this single task and are often called on to separate, de-leaf, clean and weigh the product as well as keep facilities organized.

The good news for marijuana retailers is that automation will mean greater supply which in turn means lower costs – and a better chance of competing against black market sales.

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:

The ‘Green Dimension’: Inside the Lives of California’s Marijuana Trimmers, Nov. 29, 2018, The New York Times

In one such instance in Santa Barbara County, government officials have begun implementing regulations for the large cannabis farms throughout the region, hoping to address the smell-related issues

But Los Angeles marijuana lawyers know there have been other disputes as well. It’s been more than two years since the state ruled residents don’t need a physician’s note to purchase the drug, but it’s largely up to local governments to decide if cannabis farms are allowed and whether to impose restrictions tighter than state rules.

California is the country’s largest legal cannabis market, yet less than 50 percent of its 58 counties have permitted commercial cannabis farms. Even counties like Sonoma that thrive on agricultural specialties have put tight restrictions on the number and size of grow operations, particularly those close to residential areas.

Concentration of Cannabis Cultivation Higher in Some Places Than Others

A select few others have allowed a high ratio of farms to population. Santa Barbara has most provisional cultivation licenses – nearly 900 – and most have numerous permits to expand their operations. In explaining the decision to allow large grow operations, officials cite a boom to local economy, one suffering from the wilt of numerous flower farms and empty greenhouses – which has meant fewer taxes. Marijuana cultivation has offered a way out.

Marijuana lawyers work to help these operations clear regulatory hurdles, helping to avoid steep penalties and setting them up for the best chance at success.

Although many counties in Southern California have stringent limits on how many grow operations can exist and how large those farms can be, growers in Santa Barbara can have as much land as they can buy, with preference to those who had previously grown medical cannabis. This attracted several large marijuana growers.

In some small cities of fewer than 15,000 people, dozens of marijuana farmers are thriving. But local residents argue the farms are a nuisance – affecting their property values and quality of life. One resident told a Wall Street Journal reporter the smell of marijuana from nearby farms has permeated his carpet and towels. This could be the next regulatory battle for marijuana growers.

Residents Push for Tighter Cannabis Grow Restrictions

Residents have formed grassroots efforts with the goal of lobbying for tighter restrictions, such as caps on the size of farms, number of farms and where they can be located. They also want to mandate odor control systems.

Officials have responded so far by an uptick on raiding any farms suspected of not following the rules that do exist, and urging farmers to purchase their own odor control systems.

Farmers say they aren’t opposed to some of what’s being asked, but noted sales revenue isn’t as high as initially projected just a few year ago, and many didn’t start off wealthy to begin with. Some switched from flowers to cannabis noting they could no longer compete with the Latin market. In many ways, they say marijuana is actually more neighbor friendly because it doesn’t require the use of pesticides and the greenhouses no longer have frequent semi trucks making trips back and forth for product.

A brand new odor control system retails for somewhere around $100,000 – not a trivial expense. It may, however, be worth it to appease neighbors and avoid the imposition of tighter regulation that could cost more.

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:

Fights Over Where to Grow Marijuana Cause Stink in California, Sept. 12, 2019, By Zusha Elinson, Wall Street Journal

According to VOANews.com, a number of colleges have launched four-year degrees in in marijuana-related studies, such as medical plant chemistry, marijuana policy and law. Courses focus on the technical, horticultural, legal, social and political impacts of the plant in all areas of society.

As a law firm that has been focused on representing California marijuana businesses for nearly the last two decades, it’s been encouraging to see these areas of study morph from something of a joke to a field of studies that even Ivy League schools are taking very seriously, fully intent on preparing students for a blossoming career field.

Northern Michigan University kicked off its four-year degree in medical plant chemistry two years ago after one of the school’s chemists attended a conference wherein cannabis industry representatives spoke of the growing need for more analytical chemists in the field. Individuals in these positions earn upwards of $70,000 a year – just to start. Two years in, the school has 300 students from nearly all 50 states enrolled in its program. A similar career path is offered at a state school in North Dakota.

Meanwhile, students attending college in upstate New York in Morrisville can minor in marijuana studies through the school’s horticulture department.

Although some students report getting sly grins or wisecracks from peers and even parents, the reality is many area earning four-year degrees in tough subjects like organic chemistry – areas o study that will prepare them to make a good living in a fast-growing field.

Some of these deal help to prepare students to enter the legal recreational cannabis market in states like California, while others are more geared toward a medicinal marijuana track and still others are designed to ready students for trade in the hemp industry. Students are learning to cultivate, research, analyze, process and market marijuana – a move that in the end is going to create a more refined crop of cannabis entrepreneurs – from pharmaceutical researchers to quality assurance lab directors to marketing specialists and edible product developers.

It’s estimated by Arcview Market Research that the industry is poised to support nearly 470,000 cannabis professionals by 2022.

Los Angeles marijuana lawyers see something of a wild card in the in states where the drug still remains illegal, or still illegal at least for recreational purposes. In the case of many states in the latter category (namely Connecticut, New Jersey and New York), schools are still offering these types of courses in anticipation that legalization is going to happen. It’s not a matter of if, but when.

Agricultural schools are launching horticulture programs, business schools are launching dispensary management curriculum, nutritional and medical fields too are increasingly widening to allow room for this new field. Every state that opens its doors to marijuana widens the field of opportunity for new professionals. Our cannabis attorneys expect this is a field that will continue to expand for years to come.

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

Additional Resources:

Higher Education: Colleges Add Cannabis to Curriculum, March 4, 2019, Associated Press

More Blog Entries:

Cannabis Industry Safety & Health A Growing Priority, Feb. 26, 2019, Los Angeles Marijuana Business Lawyer Blog

The concern is that such action is poised to have a chilling effect not only on U.S.-Canadian relations, but also on the Canadian cannabis industry. Los Angeles marijuana business attorneys know that the CBP officers are empowered with very broad discretion not only to question those who wish to travel into the U.S. on a wide range of subjects. What’s less clear is what authority these officers or the agency in general has to issue lifetime bans into the country, particularly from our northern neighbors.

The Toronto Star reports the legal team behind the suit includes a former U.S. attorney now in private practice. The lawyer’s team alleges the U.S government has unlawfully withheld documents requested by his firm in accordance with the Freedom of Information ACT (FOIA) specifically pertaining to the practice of Canadian cannabis worker border bans.

Lawsuit: Canadian Cannabis Workers Entitled to U.S. Legal Basis for Bud Worker Bans

The federal lawsuit asserts time has run out for the CBP to respond to the FOAI request or file for a reasonable extension on the request. The cannabis worker attorney minces no words about his aims: To force the release of documentation that will force the government to give its legal argument for why the agency is legally allowed to ban cannabis workers. The law firm also seeks to recover costs and attorney’s fees related to the lawsuit it was required to file to obtain these answers.

Beyond even that, the attorney told The Star it wants to get to the heart of whether such actions are even lawful in accordance with U.S. statutes. The attorney, who has represented cannabis businesspersons in Washington and Canada, pointed out that if a central U.S. agency – say, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – was providing directive to CBP officers to initiate these bans on Canadian citizens, the agency may not need any other legal grounds. It will depend on the answers the agency provides. Nonetheless, the law firm asserts the CBP should have responded to the FOIA by now.

The CBP in an email response to The Star said it does not, as a matter of policy, comment on pending litigation.

Even before marijuana became legal for recreational purposes in Canada last fall, most of our northern neighbors in the cannabis industry were aware that even being thinly connected could result in a formal “inadmissibility” stamp from the U.S. government. Those who were honest about their connections to the cannabis trade were told they were no longer allowed to enter due to the fact they were engaged in “aiding and abetting a criminal enterprise” and “drug trafficking.”

Our Los Angeles marijuana business attorneys know that where once there was a trickle of Canadians who were requiring assistance with inadmissibility in the past, suddenly it’s become more of a steady flow.

Canadian Marijuana Company Worker U.S. Bans an Opaque Process

Although more than two dozen states in the U.S (California included) have legalized medicinal and/or recreational cannabis, the drug is still illegal per the federal government. The problem for Canadians is that the U.S.-Canada border is run by the federal government. Not only is admission of involvement in a cannabis business in Canada known to be sufficient enough to warrant a federal ban on a traveler from entering the country – even an admission of mere use of the drug can do the same. Essentially, the U.S. government is incentivizing dishonesty from international travelers from Canada.

Starting in October, the CBP’s public regulations on Canadians with connections to the legal cannabis market in Canada were updated such that this technically is no longer supposed to result in inadmissibility. However, there is still the possibility that Canadian investors or businesspeople who have some type of link to the American cannabis industry could still be barred if those connections become known by CBP officials. The Washington state attorney, however, says the way these prohibitions are issued are a total mystery. None of the bans indicate on what authority the decision is based on and there is no obvious justification in federal law that would clearly indicate the ban is legit.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients and those facing marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734. Additional Resources: Lawsuit seeks answers for Canadian cannabis workers banned at U.S. border, March 2019, The Star More Blog Entries: Pot Policy 101: L.A. Marijuana Lawyers Urge Polishing Up on Your California Prop 64 Proficiency, Jan. 19, 2019, Los Angeles Marijuana Lawyer Blog

One recent report by logistics trade publication Supply Chain 24-7 detailed burgeoning efforts to build a strategy for state-level supply chains, but also for what some believe may sooner than later become a global supply chain. One logistics firm working on this has its sights on Canada, and with development help from its technology and finance partners is hoping to on-board major licensed marijuana producers, retail distribution centers and government regulators.

Most global third-party logistics for cannabis are likely to employ some type of blockchain, given mandates that product be tracked and accounted for from seed-to-sale. Blockchain is a type of digital ledger for sales transactions made on a cryptocurrency platform like bitcoin, which are meticulously recorded in chronological order and recorded for the public. Cyrptocurrency is likely to be the preferred method of payment for ancillary cannabis companies that have expanded to the point of needing a third-party logistics firm to manage its supply chain. This will help not only keep track of cannabis products and sales, it will improve consumer safety and allow for rapid recalls of tainted marijuana, ensure legal sourcing of marijuana products and facilitate automatic tax and legal process requirements.

Given projections that cannabis will explode into a $500 billion industry worldwide, Los Angeles marijuana business attorneys know California cannabis suppliers, product manufacturers and retail distributors were going to have to stay on top of this trend just to stay competitive anyway. Even now as the industry is brand new, most cannabis companies in Southern California don’t have the capacity to handle their own distribution. Growers, concentrate producers, edible makers and others in the industry are in the business of putting out the best product, and logistics is a critical component of the business that requires more workers, vehicles, licensing and precise standard compliance. Many are finding it’s easier to leave the logistics to companies that have already established effective technology, partners and routes. Some firms specialize in distribution of high-maintenance products, such as raw flowers. Others will take on a variety of products.

The biggest conglomerate of distributors – now representing 50 of them – launched in Los Angeles has been operational since 2016, preparing for launch even before recreational marijuana was legal in California, after the state made changes to the medical marijuana regulatory system and designated a specific license type for distributors.

There are some variations of these third-party firms, some focusing solely on preparing, packing, shipping and delivery, while others do that plus marketing for their marijuana business customers. Arranging the right transport and distribution partner is important to your success. A marijuana business plan attorney in California can help you verify licensing and be certain you’re making a sound business choice.

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

Additional Resources:

B2B Cannabis Logistics and Compliance Platform WAYV Raises $5 Million Seed Round, Oct. 29, 2018, Business Wire

More Blog Entries:

California Marijuana Attorneys Expect Hemp Farming to Grow Across U.S., Dec. 9, 2018, Los Angeles Marijuana Business Lawyer Blog

It begs the question: How is it possible that the No. 1 marijuana producer in the world suddenly be out of cannabis flowers?

As our Orange County marijuana business lawyers can explain, there are a number of natural and policy forces at play – namely the way the cannabis is grown, the damage caused by rampant wildfires and the introduction of stringent rules and regulations – including quality and purity testing protocols.

It is imperative for cannabis cultivators – long-standing and newly-minted – to invest in assistance from an experienced marijuana lawyer. The Cannabis Law Group, Medical and Adult Use Marijuana Lawyers, recognize that the maze of bureaucratic requirements can seem onerous and impossible. A knowledgeable legal team on your side can help break it all down – your duties step-by-step – and ensure your operations doesn’t get dinged with hefty fines or paralyzing crop losses due to failure to meet state guidelines.

Cannabis Growers, New and Old, Face Regulatory Jungle

Following a six-month grace period, all marijuana flowers harvested for public consumption must meet the new rules and regulations, including stringent testing of plants, beginning July 1st. During the grace period, the state allowed dispensaries to sell marijuana products that had not been tested, so long as it bore a labeling indicating this.

Now, not only must these products be tested, but the California Environmental Protection Agency has increased the number of pesticides for which growers must test. This list offers information on pesticides that cannot be used in any type of food product (which would include ingredients for marijuana edibles): Aldicarb • DDVP (Dichlorvos) • Paclobutrazol• Carbofuran • Etofenprox •Propoxur• Chlordane • Fenoxycarb • Spiroxamine• Chlorfenapyr • Imazalil • Thiacloprid• Coumaphos • Methyl parathion• Daminozide • Mevinphos

Cannabis farmers need to maintain a watchful eye on their product, and also be certain their distributors are licensed and conducting proper testing. It is ultimately the distributors who are going to be responsible for this testing.

Unfortunately, there aren’t as many licensed California cannabis farmers as initially anticipated. Part of that has to do with last year’s wildfires. Much of the state’s flower supply is produced outdoors, but those crops were affected by the heavy smoke and soot that covered the area.

Many experienced cannabis farmers having a difficult time incorporating this new regulatory bureaucratic scheme into long-standing, well-oiled systems and operations. The costs have become a major burden too, compounded by the fact that prices for sinsemilla is lower than it’s ever been. Some of the cannabis crops fail testing for problems with bacteria or pathogenic fungi, but usually, they’re not passing muster due to the presence of agricultural chemicals. Meanwhile, certain mite species and other pests can destroy a whole season of crops without the use of certain pesticides, so it becomes a wash either way.

The CEPA also offers a list of accepted chemicals, but even then, sets maximum residue limits, or MRLs. These limits were first established for fruit and vegetable products, and have essentially been adopted de facto for other types of agricultural products, like cannabis. The MRLs for smoked cannabis are much lower.

The agency has set a zero tolerance policy in effect for certain chemicals, despite the fact that, as our marijuana farmer attorneys have found, such policies in practice are largely unrealistic, especially when different labs use different standards.

California’s Bureau of Marijuana Control is the agency that sets forth guidelines for marijuana lab testing.

On the one hand, we can’t have an indiscriminate amount of pesticides if we care about consumer health. However, there is significant concern that these regulations are overprotective.

If you are a California cannabis farmer struggling to navigate the new regulatory compliance standards, our legal team at the Cannabis Law Group can help.

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

Additional Resources:

Where Have All the Flowers Gone? Oct. 2, 2018, By Mojave Richmond, Cannabis Business Times

More Blog Entries:

New L.A. Bud Businesses Can’t Ignore Legal Snares, Sept. 28, 2018, Orange County Marijuana Farmer Attorney Blog

marijuana after its city council voted overwhelmingly to regulate industry operations. The council passed a series of amendments that will set guidelines for cultivators, testing labs, distributors, and dispensaries in the city, according to an article from Press-Telegram. The 7-1 vote reflected a strong support from council, with the support of the mayor as well as the residents who voted for Proposition 64 in November 2016.

City staffers estimate the move could bring in about $750,000 in taxes from recreational sales next year and a whopping $4.5 million from medical marijuana taxes. City officials also hope to stimulate the economy with a clause that requires collective-bargaining agreements with United Food and Commercial Workers 324, the union that represents cannabis workers, raising the bar on the quality of jobs provided by local establishments. Long Beach also joins other California cities in creating social equity programs, designed to lift up communities most harmed in the past by reckless marijuana law enforcement policies. Those who qualify will have certain fees waived, have their applications fast-tracked for review, get access to special workshops, and qualify for tax deferrals. Restrictions for the program include meeting certain income requirements. More specifically, a person would need to have less than $250,000 net worth and fall below 80 percent of the local median income. They also would have to have an arrest, conviction, or citation spurred by a marijuana-related offense before recreational marijuana was passed in the state. In lieu of legal troubles, a person could also qualify if they lived in a census tract of Long Beach in which more than half the population lived below 80 percent of the median income.

The city also has a network of rules they are putting in place in regards to licensing, how many dispensaries are allowed to operate, and where all operations are allowed to set up shop. This is where the help of an experienced attorney can make a big difference in how you manage your business. If you’re thinking of opening a new shop, setting up a consultation with one of our skilled Los Angeles marijuana business lawyers is the first step toward success. Our legal team knows the ins and outs of state and local laws, keeping up with changes that occur day by day, and can help you stay in compliance with those laws. This service alone takes a huge weight off your shoulders so you can focus on running your business with confidence knowing you don’t have to look over your shoulder for compliance officers. We also help you with the licensing and application processes, which you might not even realize often require more than just paperwork. Depending on the city, you likely will also have to appear before city council and planning commission for application reviews, a process which is much more relaxed with a knowledgeable attorney by your side.

Smart business owners seek out these services upfront so their operations are built on a solid foundation. Otherwise you might be seeking our help down the road to undo costly mistakes made in the beginning that can cause damage to your reputation and your business’s bottom line.

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:

City Council Moves Forward With Recreational Marijuana Sales Regulations, June 20, 2018, By Chris Haire, The Grunion

More Blog Entries:

Long Beach Moves Forward with Recreational Marijuana Business Plans, Dec. 30, 2017, Cannabis Law Group

granted a recreational marijuana license. In the past, the event was only a gathering of people who appreciated cannabis, with booths, activities, food, music, and marijuana-related products, but not the real deal. Now marijuana businesses and consumers alike can enjoy the thing they all have in common, allowing the community to share cannabis goods and knowledge on a new scale.

This is only the second event in the U.S. that allowed the sales and consumption of cannabis, according to a report from High Times, host of the event. The Central Valley Cannabis Cup in Sacramento in early May was the first event to receive such a license and was also hosted by High Times. While the first event was groundbreaking, in some ways it is the second event that is a sign of times to come. Attendees and marijuana businesses at the Central Valley Cannabis Cup proved that an event of this kind can be run safely and responsibly, making it possible for more events in the future. These gatherings can also have a major impact on local economies, bringing in tourists and vendors to the area. This is, of course, in addition to the publicity and money-making opportunities available to businesses inside the event.Though recreational marijuana is now legal in California, public consumption of marijuana is still banned. Under Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act Sec. 102, local jurisdictions may issue temporary licenses for events that wish to allow cannabis use and sales on site. To remain in compliance with MAUCRSA, attendees must be 21 or older, marijuana consumption cannot be visible from public spaces or from areas where there are people under the age of 21, and alcohol sales and consumption are not permitted on the premises. Tobacco use and sales are also forbidden on site. Attendees with proper identification may purchase up to one ounce, as afforded by Proposition 64.

While some of these rules might be overly precautious, it is a testament to how serious Californians are about responsible use. Marijuana advocates understand that cannabis can be both safe and enjoyable, while also requiring common sense regulations, just like alcohol. Most people are simply glad to be able to share in a product they are passionate about with like-minded individuals, particularly if they live in an area of the state that does not yet allow cannabis sales. High Times has been hosting Cannabis Cups for 30 years and said they hope to set up more events around the country.

Our Riverside marijuana business attorneys are excited for what events like this could mean for the future of cannabis. We appreciate seeing opportunities where our cannabis business clients can network, grow and succeed. The more people have seen what the community is really all about, the more it has become accepted. Since some stigmas around marijuana still exist, these gatherings also strengthen the cannabis community by creating a space where people can learn from each other. Our legal team has been helping cannabis businesses thrive for years, and can assist you with licensing, businesses plans, and compliance — including at conventions and other events.

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:

High Times to Host First-Ever Licensed Recreational Cannabis Event, May 2, 2018, By Sean Cooley, High Times

More Blog Entries:

California Department of Public Health Launches Education Campaign Ahead of Recreational Marijuana Sales, Oct. 19, 2017, Cannabis Law Group

The Napa Planning Commission recently endorsed reducing the distance a cannabis business can set up shop to 600 feet from a school or place where children congregate, and even recommended easing up on that rule in instances where a natural barrier would prevent direct access, such as a waterway, according to Napa Valley Register.

For many people, change can be a very scary thing. Often, though, such fears are rooted in lack of education and the feeling of losing control. Once we see new ideas in action, we sometimes wonder why it took us so long to change in the first place, and realize we wouldn’t want things to go back. We see the effects of this sentiment throughout California. Since the passing of Proposition 64, there has been a great deal of caution on the part of cities to slow down change as much as possible. Prop 64 and the follow-up Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act very thoughtfully laid out guidelines that would allow marijuana businesses to begin sales of recreational cannabis, and, in the case of MAUCRSA, brought medical marijuana sales under the same umbrella of rules. These guidelines painstakingly established regulations that would encourage cannabis businesses to operate legally while easing fears of residents.Still, many municipalities were not appeased by the state guidelines and felt it necessary to set their own rules. Some banned sales and distribution of adult-use cannabis altogether. Others burdened businesses with added restrictions that were nearly impossible to work around. Such is the case in Napa, where city leaders originally prohibited marijuana businesses from opening shop less than 1,000 feet from a park, youth center, or school. This is 400 feet more than MAUCRSA Sec. 38 requires of licensed operations. While the decision was made with good intentions in mind, city officials learned quickly how wide an area 1,000 feet really is and how inhibitive it was to establishing a business. They also learned barriers, such as highways and the swampy area of the Napa River known as the Asylum Slough are preventative enough in keeping children away from cannabis businesses without an exact distance being enforced.

So far, two applications for marijuana businesses have been accepted by city leaders, but a third is pending, with this change in city law necessary in order to move forward. City Council would still need to vote on the planning commission’s recommendation. Our California marijuana business lawyers in Riverside are hopeful, though, for a positive outcome considering council members were the ones who tasked city officials to examine the possibility of shifting to the state minimum distance from youth centers. We are excited to see cities ease up on restrictions and recognize that everyone wants what is best for the city, its children, and its economic growth.

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:

Would-be Cannabis Sellers Seek Looser Boundaries in Napa, March 5, 2018, By Howard Yune, Napa Valley Register

More Blog Entries:

Students Who Need Medical Marijuana Deserve Easier Access, Feb. 28, 2018, Marijuana Business Lawyers Blog

stemming primarily from the introduction of legal cannabis Jan. 1st and the barrage of regulations that came with it. Marijuana businesses have varied reports on supply issues thus far, with some experiencing few supply chain problems, and others reporting major lapses. Many of these issues are typical growing pains associated with a budding new industry. These problems could become major snags this summer, though, when tourist season his, and we’re flooded with curious new customers.

In San Diego, for example, about 8 million tourists visit during the summer months, according to a recent report discussing the potential impending shortage from San Diego Union-Tribune. Lines are already out the door at stores in this city, so there is worry businesses may not be able to keep pace. The issue is not necessarily that overall supply can’t keep pace with demand, but more that businesses are grappling with supply bottlenecks due to erratic regulation across jurisdictions throughout California.As our trusted Orange County marijuana business lawyers can explain, cannabis growers have been registered as cultivators for dispensary collectives in California for years, in accordance with the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 and the medical market guidelines that followed. The addition of recreational marijuana has rocked the scene, however, with the ushering in of Prop 64 and the establishment of Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act, which sought to streamline regulations for both the medical and recreational markets. While this system is far more efficient than maintaining separate oversight for each sector, the lagging issuance of licenses at the state level has caused long-time cultivators to stand in line to participate in the very economies they helped found. Right now, there are no cultivators specifically serving San Diego, which means product must be imported.

Other business owners are reporting issues finding distributors who are state-certified, and the distributors who are active are often asking higher prices due to the additional fees and taxes they must pay.

Meanwhile, more bottlenecking is occurring at the point-of-purchase. San Diego has only issued 13 of the agreed upon 36 licenses for storefronts to sell marijuana. It is clear that zoning issues are the root of this problem, preventing businesses from setting up shop in several districts. This issue is further complicated by the fact that not all of those are licensed for adult-use sales, limiting the locations tourists can visit even more.

If this sounds like a lot for cannabis business owners to sort out on their own, you are right. That is why it is essential to have someone on your side who will advocate for your rights and look out for your best interest as a business owner. Our team of skilled marijuana business attorneys have the experience and know-how to help your business remain in compliance while meeting the demands of a growing customer base to optimize your potential for success.

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:

With Growers in the Shadows, California Faces Cannabis Shortage, March 26, 2018, By Pete Hecht, Leafly

More Blog Entries:

California Now Accepting Recreational Marijuana Business License Applications, Dec. 12, 2017, Marijuana Business Lawyers Blog

The latest example comes out of Colorado, where the state is looking to get rid of residency requirements for marijuana businesses. House Bill 18-1011 would allow non-Colorado residents and publicly traded companies own a stake in state-licensed businesses as well as make investments. Right now ownership for non-residents is limited to 15 people. A bi-partisan group of legislators is leading the charge on the bill, which they said will not only attract more investments in the state, but also allow local businesses to be publicly traded, according to The Cannabist.

Officials said Colorado law is causing the state to fall behind roughly a dozen other states that no longer have such limitations. Indeed, California already rid itself of residency restrictions with the creation of Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act in June 2017. The act combined the Adult Use of Marijuana Act and the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act in an effort to consolidate regulations and laws governing medical and recreational marijuana. Many regulations carried over from the two previous acts, but one notable change was the removal of a rule in AUMA to prohibit licenses from being issued to non-California residents until Dec. 31, 2019.

While residency restrictions can help protect small in-state businesses, our experienced Orange County marijuana business lawyers also know they can stifle investments and growth. With proper protections and rules that favor small business development, both small and large businesses can live in harmony. Plus in-state businesses that are doing well have the opportunity to get a boost by becoming publicly traded. Many local businesses lamented how much money they see being invested outside of Colorado and saw this bill as an opportunity to redirect cash flow back into the state.

Others are worried the state is pushing its luck. With marijuana still firmly planted as a Schedule I narcotic according to Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812, some industry leaders already feel like they are walking around with a target on their backs. They worry opening up interstate channels of business is poking the bear. However, as the cannabis industry continues to grow, creating more jobs, garnering more tax revenue, increasing awareness, and expanding access to hundreds of thousands of Americans, public opinion will continue to shift. And public outcry will continue to grow to the point that the federal government can no longer ignore the voice of the people. Measures like this in Colorado are another step in the right direction.

Even though we all have a cautious eye on Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the Justice Department, it’s still an exciting time to be a marijuana business owner. Our skilled attorneys can help California entrepreneurs set up their businesses to be in compliance with state and local laws while keeping an eye on movement at the federal level. We remain vigilant, staying up to date on the day-to-day movement in marijuana law from your local city council to Washington, D.C. and everywhere in between so you can focus on running your business.

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:

Colorado Cannabis Firms Could Get Publicly Traded, Out-of-State Investors Under Proposed Bill, Feb. 28, 2018, By Alicia Wallace, The Cannabist

More Blog Entries:

A Look at the California Cannabis Industry MAUCRSA Bill, July 13, 2017, Orange County Marijuana Business Attorney Blog

Although there are many regulations that are fairly standard, such as outlines for growing and testing, the crop-size limitations are the two that have raised the most ire.

Many are concerned about the scope of these regulations and what they will mean for cannabis businesses – particularly smaller ones. It was largely expected that crop size limits would occur to some degree, but the final regulation only limits medium-sized growers’ licenses. That could potentially open the door for smaller and larger marijuana grow farms, but because large companies have deep pockets, the concern is that smaller businesses (which will have a tougher time landing loans) will be pushed out too. Business Insider refers to this as a potential oligopoly. Mass production by these larger players could drive down marijuana prices in the short-term, but eventually, absent sharp competition, these prices would rise. Speculation is that the state will even more heavily tax the product by as much as 45 percent, a cost that will ultimately be passed onto consumers.

On the flip side, investors in marijuana businesses could see handsome profits. Investors in the legal marijuana trade have always been taking a huge risk, largely because the plant is illegal at the federal level, and therefore assets and profits are vulnerable to government seizure. Beyond that, though, the marijuana industry has long been heavily fragmented. Regulations vary from city-to-city, and the majority of the market at this juncture is comprised of mom-and-pop operations. If that shifted to become a smaller number of larger businesses, that could give investors incentive and a clear path to profits.

Still, if the costs become unattainable for the average consumer, there is concern that legal operations won’t be able to keep pace with the black market, which will be problematic for everyone on numerous levels. If the tax rate is too high and only large cannabis businesses have any real shot at success, consumers will flock to the cheaper black markets, which will deprive the state of tax revenue and legitimate businesses of profits.

The 2016 Marijuana Business Factbook indicates the average startup of a dispensary in the U.S. is $325,000. This is almost exclusively backed by the founders’ savings and personal debt. Making matters worse for smaller operations is that if anything goes wrong (fire, robbery, other losses), cannabis businesses will have a difficult time obtaining bankruptcy protection, per a new memo from the Justice Department, citing federal marijuana law.

Existing and prospective cannabis entrepreneurs should carefully consider these barriers to entry and discuss their marijuana business plans with an experienced cannabis attorney.

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

Additional Resources:

California Lawmakers Are Pushing Back Against Legalization Regulations That Favor Big Weed, Dec. 9, 2017, By Zach Harris, Merry Jane

More Blog Entries:

New California Marijuana Regulations Finally Released, Nov. 26, 2017, Los Angeles Marijuana Lawyer Blog

Published in the American Journal of Public Health, the research examined the link between the legalization of recreational use cannabis in Colorado and the number of opioid-related deaths. What study authors discovered was one of the only places in the nation so far to have experienced a reversal in the upward trend of opioid deaths. Following the opening of the first shops selling recreational use marijuana in 2014, Colorado’s opioid deaths dropped by 6 percent over the course of two years.

Researchers were careful to say these findings are preliminary, and examine the just two years of data in a single state. However, those results are promising, and echo the voices of support have been saying from the beginning: Marijuana – which has far fewer risks compared to opiates – can be used as a substitute for those who might otherwise turn to more powerful (and dangerous) prescription drugs.

The findings aren’t a total surprise. A number of previous studies revealed a causal connection between the legalization of medical marijuana and a reduction in fatal opioid overdoses. This study, however, is the first to examine the impact of recreational use marijuana laws and their effect on drug overdoses.

Opiates are often prescribed for chronic pain, but we know marijuana is also a highly effective means of treating that same kind of pain – and with far less risk. In fact, the chances of dying of a marijuana overdose are about zero. Meanwhile, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that from 2002 to 2015, the number of opioid deaths nearly tripled. The number attributed to prescription opioid pain relievers during that same time nearly doubled.

Researchers here examined monthly trends in opiate overdose deaths in Colorado both before and after recreational marijuana hit the market. In order to control for the effect medical use may have had on the numbers, study authors compared Colorado to Nevada, a nearby state that during that period allowed medicinal use but not recreational use. Even when controlling for this, researchers still noted a 6.5 percent decline in prescription opioid deaths.

It will be important to determine whether the trend is going to continue – and also whether similar trends will be noted in other states like California, where voters approved a measure for recreational marijuana last year. The first California marijuana businesses selling recreational marijuana are expected to open in early 2018.

It’s also important to take into account the potential for other risks marijuana could pose, primarily being on the roads. Drugged driving is a serious issue and there is evidence to suggest it’s on the rise. However, the actual extent is unknown because all that’s really been gleaned is that more drivers involved in fatal crashes have marijuana in their system. That doesn’t necessarily mean they were impaired at the time of the collision or that marijuana intoxication played any causal role in the crash.

Meanwhile, we can see the concrete evidence that marijuana is saving lives when people turn to pot over pills.

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

Additional Resources:

Legal marijuana is saving lives in Colorado, study finds, Oct. 16, 2017, By Christopher Ingraham, The Washington Post

More Blog Entries:

California Department of Public Health Launches Education Campaign Ahead of Recreational Marijuana Sales, Oct. 19, 2017, L.A. Marijuana Business Lawyer Blog