Edibles in California… Food Failure

All of Canada and our neighbours south of the border are trying to sort out cannabis regulations, and we are all watching each others successes and failures with great interest. Keeping that in mind, here’s the latest legal blunder from California! Starting New Years Day, 2018, the California Bureau of Cannabis Control will be enforcing […]

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from https://cannabislifenetwork.com/edibles-in-california-food-failure/

Edibles in California… Food Failure Find more on: Mrs. Hardy's 420 Blog

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/31/edibles-in-california-food-failure/

Long Beach Moves Forward with Recreational Marijuana Business Plans

Thanks to Prop. 64, the state of California is considering applications for licenses for recreational marijuana businesses beginning Jan. 1, 2018.

Authority rests with local governments to decide whether to allow recreational marijuana sales to go into effect in their area, giving them power to either issue bans or develop policies for businesses to operate.

The Long Beach City Council is the latest to join the movement. The council recently voted to move ahead with developing policies for recreational marijuana businesses to operate in Long Beach. According to an article from the Long Beach Press Telegram, Long Beach has more than 100 pending applications for a wide range of marijuana businesses. Two of an allotted 32 dispensaries have opened so far in the area, in Rose Park and Belmont Shore.

In November 2016, the same time Prop. 64 passed, Long Beach repealed its medical marijuana ban in the city, as citizens voted in favor of Measure MM. Since then, the city has been ironing out the details of medical marijuana regulations and policies. Some of the council members objected to moving forward with recreational marijuana policies until the all of the issues with medical marijuana implementation had been settled.

The measure, however, passed. Supporters cited a desire for the city to have more control over implementation than they did with medical marijuana. After securing a medical cannabis dispensaries ban in the city, citizens and the industry took control with a ballot measure, and the city no longer had as much say.

The process for Long Beach creating regulations for commercial recreational businesses will not make the Jan. 1 rollout across the state. In the meantime, a 180-day temporary ban will be put in place until city council can vote on final regulations. Of course, nothing is final, and it is still possible the city will ultimately not continue forward with plans to allow businesses to establish there.

Among considerations during this time will be how many dispensaries will be permitted, where they will allow businesses to be located, conditions for approval, and labor provisions. Council is considering keeping the cap on dispensaries at 32 total and encouraging medical and adult-use dispensaries to operate jointly.

Other cities nearby have held firmly to their respective bans on commercial marijuana businesses. Some of those cities include Downey, Lakewood, and Cerritos. Carson has OK’d marijuana testing, growing, and manufacturing, as well as door-to-door delivery and personal use cultivation with restrictions, and limited indoor commercial operations, but still rejected commercial dispensaries in city limits.

Bellflower has approved up to a dozen licenses for cultivators, processors, and dispensaries, and has started taking applications.

Long Beach council members will be looking closely at regulations around the state as they make decisions on how to best craft policy for the city. And our Los Angeles recreational marijuana business lawyers are keeping an eye on all the latest developments in cities across the region. If you’re considering opening a cannabis business, whether it be commercial or medical, our attorneys can help you properly file business license applications and navigate local laws from city to city, while also keeping in mind state and federal regulations.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients and those facing marijuana charges. Call us at 714-937-2050.

Additional Resources:

Long Beach wants to allow recreational cannabis businesses in 2018, Nov. 15, 2017, by Courtney Tompkins, Long Beach Press Telegram

Other Blog Entries:

Long Beach Wins Battle to Ban Medical Marijuana Dispensaries, July, 29, 2016, Cannabis Law Group

from https://www.marijuanalawyerblog.com/2017/12/long-beach-moves-forward-recreational-marijuana-business-plans.html

The following blog article Long Beach Moves Forward with Recreational Marijuana Business Plans was originally published to https://www.mrs-hardy.com/

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/30/long-beach-moves-forward-with-recreational-marijuana-business-plans/

Chronic Cooking 2: Eat your greens with Chef Cody’s cannabis-infused salads

Your mom may have always told you to eat your greens, and now, with Chef Cody’s Chronic Cooking, it’s never been easier or better. Watch Chef Cody cooking with Loudonio for the second episode of Expert Joints LIVE! Chronic Cooking. In this episode, you’ll not only get the exclusive recipes for two of Chef Cody’s […]

The post Chronic Cooking 2: Eat your greens with Chef Cody’s cannabis-infused salads appeared first on Cannabis Life Network.

from https://cannabislifenetwork.com/chronic-cooking-2-eat-your-greens-with-chef-codys-cannabis-infused-salads/

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source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/29/chronic-cooking-2-eat-your-greens-with-chef-codys-cannabis-infused-salads/

States Too Slow to Implement Medical Marijuana Laws Face Litigation

As medical marijuana legalization is becoming law of the land in states across the country, many states are struggling with best practices and how to implement the laws quickly and correctly. It often falls to state departments, local legislatures, and other agencies to sort out licensing and sales practices.

Though this process can be difficult for the government agencies in charge of such oversights, it is the citizens of the state who suffer the most when provisions are dragged out unnecessarily.

This has led to lawsuits filed by those who allege they have experienced direct pain or damages due to the way states are implementing new laws.Recently, a lawsuit was filed  in Florida’s  Second Judicial Circuit Court against the Florida Department of Health for failing to comply with Amendment 2 of the state’s constitution allowing for the sale and use of medical marijuana.

The amendment appeared on the ballot and received a majority vote in November 2016, and the state legislature signed into law provisions for implementation. According to Florida Senate Bill SB8A, the state Department of Health was mandated to issue 10 new Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MMTC) licenses by Oct. 3, 2017, but had not at the time of the filing. MMTCs are the only places allowed to process, grow, and sell medical marijuana in the state.

The plaintiffs are a Florida nursery planning to provide medical marijuana and an epilepsy patient who is seeking relief from seizures.

The family who owns the nursery said they were inspired to convert their facility into a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MMTC) as a result of a family member who served in the U.S. Army. Though their loved one passed away in January, the family firmly believes medical marijuana could have prolonged his life and are determined to get a license to prevent the same fate for other veterans and suffering patients, according to the Huffington Post. The family claims they have gone above and beyond preparing to get a license, traveling to other states and learning the ropes to convert their facility, but that the Department of Health has failed to meet required standards.

The second plaintiff was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 13 and alleges marijuana is the only relief he can get from the multiple potentially lethal seizures he experiences on a daily basis. He claims to have been prescribed a battery of drugs that have proven ineffective over time and that come with harmful side effects, such as depleting his bones of calcium.

The Department of Health said that it is diligently working to implement the law, but has run into holdups due to other legal challenges to the legislation.

Our Los Angeles medical marijuana lawyers are watching this and similar cases closely. We are monitoring ways that delays in California could affect the people in and around Los Angeles. If you have experienced harm in any way as the result of improper implementation of cannabis laws, our team will explain the latest local, state, and federal laws and help protect your rights.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients and those facing marijuana charges. Call us at 714-937-2050.

Additional Resources:

Two Suffering Florida Families Sue the State to Force Compliance with Medical Marijuana Law, Nov., 22, 2017, by Gary J. Stein, Huffington Post

Bill’s Nursery, Inc. and Bowen v. The Florida Department of Health, Nov. 21, 2017, Florida’s Second Judicial Circuit Court

Other Blog Entries:

Florida Lawmakers Consider Expanding Medical Marijuana Law, April 2, 2017, Cannabis Law Group

from https://www.marijuanalawyerblog.com/2017/12/states-slow-implement-medical-marijuana-laws-face-litigation.html

States Too Slow to Implement Medical Marijuana Laws Face Litigation is available on Mrs-Hardy.com.com

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/28/states-too-slow-to-implement-medical-marijuana-laws-face-litigation-2/

States Too Slow to Implement Medical Marijuana Laws Face Litigation

As medical marijuana legalization is becoming law of the land in states across the country, many states are struggling with best practices and how to implement the laws quickly and correctly. It often falls to state departments, local legislatures, and other agencies to sort out licensing and sales practices.

Though this process can be difficult for the government agencies in charge of such oversights, it is the citizens of the state who suffer the most when provisions are dragged out unnecessarily.

This has led to lawsuits filed by those who allege they have experienced direct pain or damages due to the way states are implementing new laws.Recently, a lawsuit was filed  in Florida’s  Second Judicial Circuit Court against the Florida Department of Health for failing to comply with Amendment 2 of the state’s constitution allowing for the sale and use of medical marijuana.

The amendment appeared on the ballot and received a majority vote in November 2016, and the state legislature signed into law provisions for implementation. According to Florida Senate Bill SB8A, the state Department of Health was mandated to issue 10 new Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MMTC) licenses by Oct. 3, 2017, but had not at the time of the filing. MMTCs are the only places allowed to process, grow, and sell medical marijuana in the state.

The plaintiffs are a Florida nursery planning to provide medical marijuana and an epilepsy patient who is seeking relief from seizures.

The family who owns the nursery said they were inspired to convert their facility into a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MMTC) as a result of a family member who served in the U.S. Army. Though their loved one passed away in January, the family firmly believes medical marijuana could have prolonged his life and are determined to get a license to prevent the same fate for other veterans and suffering patients, according to the Huffington Post. The family claims they have gone above and beyond preparing to get a license, traveling to other states and learning the ropes to convert their facility, but that the Department of Health has failed to meet required standards.

The second plaintiff was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 13 and alleges marijuana is the only relief he can get from the multiple potentially lethal seizures he experiences on a daily basis. He claims to have been prescribed a battery of drugs that have proven ineffective over time and that come with harmful side effects, such as depleting his bones of calcium.

The Department of Health said that it is diligently working to implement the law, but has run into holdups due to other legal challenges to the legislation.

Our Los Angeles medical marijuana lawyers are watching this and similar cases closely. We are monitoring ways that delays in California could affect the people in and around Los Angeles. If you have experienced harm in any way as the result of improper implementation of cannabis laws, our team will explain the latest local, state, and federal laws and help protect your rights.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients and those facing marijuana charges. Call us at 714-937-2050.

Additional Resources:

Two Suffering Florida Families Sue the State to Force Compliance with Medical Marijuana Law, Nov., 22, 2017, by Gary J. Stein, Huffington Post

Bill’s Nursery, Inc. and Bowen v. The Florida Department of Health, Nov. 21, 2017, Florida’s Second Judicial Circuit Court

Other Blog Entries:

Florida Lawmakers Consider Expanding Medical Marijuana Law, April 2, 2017, Cannabis Law Group

from https://www.marijuanalawyerblog.com/2017/12/states-slow-implement-medical-marijuana-laws-face-litigation.html

The following article States Too Slow to Implement Medical Marijuana Laws Face Litigation Read more on: Mrs. Hardy 420!

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/28/states-too-slow-to-implement-medical-marijuana-laws-face-litigation/

Giving Back This Holiday Season

It started early on Wednesday, Dec 20th, as six members of our marketing and purchasing team met to assemble the sandwich factory, making more than 200 ham and turkey sandwiches. Along with sandwiches, bottles of water and hygienic items, we purchased over one hundred socks and gloves to distribute along with bins of warm clothing essentials we had collected at our stores, from customer donations.

To assist in our local community, members of the Evergreen Market assembled over 200 sandwiches for those in need living in Auburn and Renton.

Our first stop was at Auburn’s Ray of Hope, a recent addition to help combat community homelessness with resources and support. Ray of Hope was opened with space donation from Valley Cities at 2536 I St. NE, Auburn, WA. Daily power is supplied by Puget Sound Energy, while staff and volunteers from Auburn’s Food Bank provide help and assistance. It will remain open for a year and a half until the city finds a more everlasting solution for permanent housing for homeless living in Auburn.

Those present on Wednesday afternoon at Ray of Hope were grateful for the food and clothes donations, wishing us a Merry Christmas with thank you’s, big smiles and plenty of gratitude. This was a feel-good moment, but also presented the harsh burn of reality, of being comfortable this season while so many are without homes, families or work. Our team was happy to do what we could to make these people feel part of our community, with warm clothes and nourishing food.

Donations of ham and turkey sandwiches, apples and bottles of water.

Our next stop was to the Kiwanis Clothes Bank in Renton, just across the street from our original Renton store on Rainer Ave, near Renton Municipal Airport. Kiwanis Clothes Bank is open Monday-Thursday 1-5pm, and provides free clothing for those with a referral for need. This is like a clothing store, that has a variety of options for free, to those who seek their services. Once again, the people present at Kiwanis Clothes Bank thanked us for the donations and smiled from the heart, also wishing us a Merry Christmas.

We want to thank our customers for providing bags of warm essentials to donate to these local services. We will continue collecting Food Donations of non-perishables through December 30th for Northwest Harvest. Feel free to stop in during our business hours of 8-11 M-Sat, and 9-9 Sunday to make a donation.

Happy Holidays!

This holiday season do what you can to give back to your local community.

Written By: Masha Brown

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Read about our Christmas 2017!

Or Check out the Video!

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Your Journey Starts Here.

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Auburn Menu HERE

Renton Airport Menu HERE

Renton Ikea-District Menu HERE

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The post Giving Back This Holiday Season appeared first on Evergreen Market.

from https://www.theevergreenmarket.com/giving-back-local/

Giving Back This Holiday Season is courtesy of Mrs. Hardy's 420 Blog

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/28/giving-back-this-holiday-season/

Cannabis Growers of Canada on Health Canada and the size of micro grows

On December 15, 2017, Health Canada held a roundtable on cannabis legalization in Vancouver at Canada Place, and it was a very busy day. Featuring cannabis industry groups such as the Cannabis Growers of Canada and legal experts like Kirk Tousaw (who also livetweeted the meeting), it brought together unique perspectives from all aspects of […]

The post Cannabis Growers of Canada on Health Canada and the size of micro grows appeared first on Cannabis Life Network.

from https://cannabislifenetwork.com/cannabis-growers-of-canada-on-health-canada-and-the-size-of-micro-grows/

Cannabis Growers of Canada on Health Canada and the size of micro grows Read more on: www.mrs-hardy.com

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/27/cannabis-growers-of-canada-on-health-canada-and-the-size-of-micro-grows/

Escape to the Pot Leaf Treehouse

Welcome to the Pot Leaf Treehouse!

While it may be easy to get swept up by the busyness of every day chores, work, and the mundane parts of life, sometimes you just need to disconnect from tech and reconnect yourself with nature; the greens, the blues and the wind!

Getaway to the magical destination of the Potleaf Treehouse in Monroe, Washington.

Relax in the treehouse community at Mountain Views B&B Retreat!

Deep in the luscious forest that borders Monroe, Washington, is a magical setting created by Tracy Rice. Not only are the natural surroundings glorious; with intense forest smells that whisk you into a creative fantasy land; but so are the dwellings; tree-houses, gypsy wagon homes and even a plastic bubble world! This is unlike any destination you have probably visited.

Get cozy in the magical, lit up Potleaf Treehouse of Mountain Views B&B. So relaxing, you may just want to explore the personal forest later!

The host, Tracy, was warm, quirky and energetic. She engaged with authenticity and made me feel like we were friends in another life! Yet, if you’re looking for some extra privacy and a total disconnect, she will provide that too. I was impressed with her flexibility and attention to detail. Although the Pot Leaf Treehouse is limited in space, if there was something forgotten at home, Tracy is sure to make it available for your stay in this 108 square ft cozy wooden getaway. (It feels bigger, I swear!)

This 420 friendly getaway is perfect if you want to puff those pot leaves in the Potleaf Treehouse. Bring your favorite goodies for this elevated getaway! Hehe! Get it? Elevated! Okay, we swear we weren’t too stoned when we came up with that one!

The Pot Leaf Treehouse…

is a nonagon- a nine-sided home that has a spacious outdoor living room, which was the perfect balcony to take in the forest sights and smells in the mornings or at night.

Underneath the treehouse is another comforting space to hide from the passing rain or just take a snooze in the hammock.

Christmas-lights curtains hung on one wall beneath the treehouse, only adding to the magical sparkle of this retreat, especially at night.

Meet the very friendly pig lady Veggie Might who will greet you with morning snorts and cuddles if you catch her early enough!

Inside the treehouse small accents like sparkling lights, shimmering glass decorations and colorful walls were a pleasant addition to the fantasyland feel of it all. Cards, board games and adult coloring books added entertainment late at night when you just wanted to hide away in your treehouse hideaway!

Small enchanting touches make the space inside feel as mythical as the private forests surrounding the Treehouses.

If you are looking for a relaxing disconnect from technology and the city, or just to recharge and get connected with nature, I recommend the Pot Leaf Treehouse as the escape to bring fantasy back into your life! Check out their website for more information and bookings, HERE.

Looking up at the balcony area of the Pot Leaf Treehouse from the spacious chill out area below. The wonderful woodwork is magic alone!

Written by: Masha Brown

---

---

Remember,

Your Journey Starts Here.

---

---

Want to see our Menu? Order Online and Pick up at the Express Window

Auburn Menu HERE

Renton Airport Menu HERE

Renton Ikea-District Menu HERE

Pick up your online orders using our Express Window.

---

 

Subscribe for more Evergreen Market updates

Name

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Save

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The post Escape to the Pot Leaf Treehouse appeared first on Evergreen Market.

from https://www.theevergreenmarket.com/pot-leaf-treehouse/

Escape to the Pot Leaf Treehouse was initially seen on www.mrs-hardy.com

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/27/escape-to-the-pot-leaf-treehouse/

Marijuana Regulations Could Hinder Profits for California Businesses

The passing of Proposition 64 in 2016 legalizes recreational marijuana in California as of January 1, 2018. This will increase the opportunity for marijuana businesses to grow throughout the state.

According to an article from Forbes, California cannabis business owners are projected to make $5.2 billion in revenue in 2018, with about $1 billion in tax revenue lining state coffers.

But for every new road that is paved on the way to full legalization, there are numerous bumps along the road. California business owners expect plenty of marijuana regulations, with local governments in the state being given a great deal of jurisdiction over whether or not to allow commercial marijuana production and sales.These marijuana regulations and many others were recently discussed during the Marijuana Business Convention & Expo (MJBizCon), according to the Sacramento Bee. Topics included local ordinances, mandates to test and track marijuana, packaging, and potency standards (such as serving sizes).

New regulations have also increased oversight through licenses and fees, as well as recommendations for inspections and advertising, speakers at the event said. All of that in addition to California state and local taxes of up to 45 percent have many in the industry concerned about the potential detrimental effects on profit margins.

Also on the minds of many at the convention was the issue of overproduction in California, which could continue to increase now that the state has decided not to cap growing sites at one acre. The California Growers Association says this disadvantages smaller farms. It also raises questions about where exactly the crops are traveling, with some estimates claiming only one-sixth of marijuana produced on California farms is actually consumed in the state.

Some in the cannabis industry are concerned these regulations and taxes make honest businesses vulnerable to unfair competition with the black market. While legitimate businesses are burdened with red tape and costly tests and reports, businesses operating illegally can disrupt the market. Panel members at the conference said they are hopeful, however, that as sales numbers start coming in and negative perception is quelled, regulations will ease up at least at the local level.

Once a company can get beyond those challenges, they may find profits are difficult to manage when a vast majority of banks will not take on known marijuana business clients due to the risk of losing their federal charter, according to the Forbes report. This is costing businesses extra money in safes and security measures. There are workarounds on the horizon, including systems and programs that keep banks in compliance with the 2014 Cole Memorandum, which was intended to protect cannabis companies who follow state laws from federal prosecution.

However this protection is not guaranteed. Everyone along the chain of California marijuana businesses feels a target on their back as the federal government continually threatens to crack down on states by enforcing national bans on cannabis. Speakers at the convention pointed out that comments by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions have caused large companies to be cautious about investing.

Such marijuana regulations and burdens can make starting a cannabis business very costly. Even worse are the fines that can follow should these regulations not be implemented. Nevertheless, in the face of all of these obstacles, the sheer volume of potential customers, and thus profits, has many clamoring to join the marketplace.

With the proper guidance and full understanding of the marijuana business in California, there is plenty of room to thrive and profit. This is why is it essential to talk to a marijuana business attorney, who will make sure all regulations are addressed in the most cost-effective way possible, while avoiding future penalties that could prove very costly, or worse, ruin your business altogether.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients and those facing marijuana charges. Call us at 714-937-2050.

Additional Resources:

California regulations could snuff out profits for marijuana businesses, Nov. 21, 2017, By Brad Branan, The Sacramento Bee

California Weed Entrepreneurs Will Make $5.2B in 2018 With Almost No Banks To Put It In, Nov. 26, 2017, By Julie Weed, Forbes.com

Jeff Sessions Hints at a Coming Crackdown on Recreational Weed, Nov. 30, 2017, By Adam K. Raymond, New York Magazine

Proposition 64, Nov. 8, 2016, Prepared by Attorney General, ca.gov

More Blog Entries:

New California Marijuana Regulations Finally Released, Nov. 26, 2017, Orange County Marijuana Business Attorney Blog

 

 

 

from https://www.marijuanalawyerblog.com/2017/12/marijuana-regulations-hinder-profits-california-businesses.html

Marijuana Regulations Could Hinder Profits for California Businesses Find more on: Mrs. Hardy's 420 Blog

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/26/marijuana-regulations-could-hinder-profits-for-california-businesses/

Marijuana Business Partnerships with Casinos Could Be a Big Win

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

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

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

One such partnership has recently come into question in California’s neighbor state of Nevada, which voted to legalize the sale of recreational marijuana in 2016. However, according to the law, cannabis can only be consumed in a private residence. That means the abundance of tourists who pour into Las Vegas and the surrounding areas each year cannot use marijuana in casinos, hotels, or the many other attractions in the area.

That’s why the Nevada Gaming Policy Committee recently began reviewing ways for the casino industry to work with cannabis businesses, both recreational and medicinal, according to a report by casino.org. While many states with marijuana legalization on the books prohibit public use, the issue affects Nevada more than other states due to its massive tourist industry.

The 12-member panel, consisting of top government and business leaders in Nevada, will hear arguments as to why marijuana use should be allowed inside casinos from experts, including the CEO of Colorado’s Marijuana Business Daily, host of the Marijuana Business Convention & Expo.

However, Nevada’s Gaming Commission has already taken a strong stance against marijuana use in gambling resorts, reinforcing that it has no interest in changing the laws, but rather wants to interpret the current law and apply it accordingly. Thus far, the commission has ordered casinos to not only forbid marijuana use on property but also to refuse to host conventions and events related to the cannabis business industry. One resort took it a step further and has denied known representatives of the cannabis industry access to its rewards program.

This type of oversight is going too far, considering the economic boon available to casinos and resorts that play ball with the marijuana industry. Marijuana-related conventions and meetings could still be forced to comply with the laws regarding usage while resorts capitalize on the influx of attendees. For example, the most recent Marijuana Business Conference & Expo brought more than 10,000 visitors and 700 vendors into Las Vegas, a perfect opportunity for many cross-promotional benefits that could still comply with state law.

It is the hope of many cannabis business owners and convention operators that the committee will recommend the commission ease up on some of these restrictions, particularly the ones that seem to be overly cautious and not actually a reflection of the laws at hand. California marijuana attorneys will be watching these events very closely as the state continues to establish its own rules and regulations.

The Los Angeles Cannabis Law Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients and those facing marijuana charges. Call us at 714-937- 2050.

Additional Resources:

Marijuana in Casinos? Nevada Gaming Policy Committee to Review Position, November 27, 2017, By Kevin Horridge, Casino.org

Nevada Marijuana Legalization, Question 2 (2016), November 8, 2016, Ballotpeedia

More Blog Entries:

Medical Marijuana Now Available in Las Vegas, August 22, 2015, by Cannabis Law Group

 

from https://www.marijuanalawyerblog.com/2017/12/marijuana-partnerships-casinos-big-win.html

Marijuana Business Partnerships with Casinos Could Be a Big Win Read more on: https://www.mrs-hardy.com

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/24/marijuana-business-partnerships-with-casinos-could-be-a-big-win/

Interview with a pot dealer (they still exist!)

Yes, they still exist. In 2017, with cannabis on the verge of legalization and dispensaries adding beautiful greenery to our cities, I am amazed to announce that personal pot dealers are not yet extinct. In fact, I found one! It turns out that my old dealer Pat is still in the game. Highly amused and […]

The post Interview with a pot dealer (they still exist!) appeared first on Cannabis Life Network.

from https://cannabislifenetwork.com/interview-with-a-pot-dealer-they-still-exist/

Interview with a pot dealer (they still exist!) Read more on: The Mrs. Hardy Blog

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/23/interview-with-a-pot-dealer-they-still-exist-2/

Interview with a pot dealer (they still exist!)

Yes, they still exist. In 2017, with cannabis on the verge of legalization and dispensaries adding beautiful greenery to our cities, I am amazed to announce that personal pot dealers are not yet extinct. In fact, I found one! It turns out that my old dealer Pat is still in the game. Highly amused and […]

The post Interview with a pot dealer (they still exist!) appeared first on Cannabis Life Network.

from https://cannabislifenetwork.com/interview-with-a-pot-dealer-they-still-exist/

The blog post Interview with a pot dealer (they still exist!) See more on: www.mrs-hardy.com

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/23/interview-with-a-pot-dealer-they-still-exist/

Marijuana Dispensary Owners Challenge IRS in U.S. Tax Court

The owners of a marijuana dispensary in Colorado are challenging a provision of U.S. Tax Code that the Internal Revenue Service has interpreted to mean state-legal marijuana businesses should not be allowed to take deductions or claim credits.

The couple asserts in a brief filed in U.S. Tax Court that the IRS’ determination of their taxes owed for 2010 through 2012 were unjust, and that they were unfairly taxed compared to other business owners. A marijuana attorney representing the pair characterized the specific section of the code as “absurd.”

Section 280E, deals with expenditures in connection with illegal sale of drugs. As noted in a 2015 internal memo within the IRS, although a marijuana business is illegal under federal law, it remains obligated to pay federal income tax because Section 61(a) doesn’t differentiate between income derived from legal sources and those derived from illegal sources (See the 1961 case of James v. U.S.). 

The couple alleges Section 280E, enacted back in 1982, was not based on accounting principles, but rather on the idea that public policy was not to allow regulation of marijuana operations and that drug dealers are inherently bad for society. However in 2017, we live in a world where voters in 29 states and D.C. have opted to allow access to medicinal cannabis and several more – including California – have approved measures to allow for recreational cannabis use.

The tax court brief notes that plaintiffs classified their business as a S Corp, which under the tax code requires officers to be paid “reasonable wages.” All income from the marijuana business flowed through their wage income, and when the IRS decided to classify “trafficking” as an expense, the couple were not allowed a deduction under Section 280ESo in effect, the company was taxed twice – once as wages and again as part of S Corp earnings.

Whether the couple will prevail remains uncertain, but we do know the decision will be made weeks after the IRS won another recent 280E tax case filed by former dispensary owners in Colorado. In that case, there was a somewhat similar set of circumstances, wherein the company filed their income tax returns as an S Corp and sought deductions for ordinary and necessary business expenses. The IRS decided any business expense not classified as a “cost of goods sold” could not be deducted, and based on this, the taxable income was increased (meaning they had to pay substantially more in taxes).

The U.S. Tax Court judge, however, didn’t even get to the point of determining whether 280E was applicable because, she ruled, the marijuana dispensary owners failed to meet their proof burden because they failed to produce any business records or supporting documents, so they were unable to probe the IRS’s determinations were wrong. This is a problematic issue for many California marijuana distributors as well, as they are often left to their own devices when it comes to business plans and banking. It’s one of the reasons having a marijuana business lawyer in Los Angeles is so valuable. Our attorneys have been helping dispensaries properly arrange their operations to avoid similar issues cropping up in the future.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients and those facing marijuana charges. Call us at 714-937-2050.

Additional Resources:

Internal Revenue Service Memorandum No. 201504011, Jan. 1, 2015, IRS

More Blog Entries:

New California Marijuana Regulations Finally Released, Nov. 26, 2017, Marijuana Business Attorney Blog

from https://www.marijuanalawyerblog.com/2017/12/marijuana-dispensary-owners-challenge-irs-u-s-tax-court.html

Marijuana Dispensary Owners Challenge IRS in U.S. Tax Court is republished from Mrs-Hardy.com.com

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/23/marijuana-dispensary-owners-challenge-irs-in-u-s-tax-court/

Where’s the Justice?

Marc and Jodie Emery must each pay a $150,000 fine, a $45,000 victim surcharge and spend two years on probation for the “crime” of selling cannabis. Christopher Goodwin, Erin Goodwin, and Britney Guerra also pleaded guilty. Where’s the justice? Who’s the victim? The impossibly vague “public?” Judges are supposed to be impartial.  But Justice Leslie Chapin […]

The post Where’s the Justice? appeared first on Cannabis Life Network.

from https://cannabislifenetwork.com/wheres-the-justice/

The article Where’s the Justice? See more on: The Mrs. Hardy Blog

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/22/wheres-the-justice/

The Good and Bad of California’s New Cannabis Regulations

Cultivation and sales of marijuana to recreational users will soon be legal in California, and ahead of that schedule, the Bureau of Cannabis Control (previously the Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation) has issued a regulatory framework that covers everything from concentration of edibles to zoning rules. Excitement in palpable as legal sales are expected to grow by 26 percent over the next five years (thanks in large part to Proposition 64), which would mean the establishment of a $22 billion industry.

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 714-937-2050.

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

from https://www.marijuanalawyerblog.com/2017/12/good-bad-californias-new-cannabis-regulations.html

The Good and Bad of California’s New Cannabis Regulations is available on Mrs. Hardy's 420 Blog

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/21/the-good-and-bad-of-californias-new-cannabis-regulations/

Why did Trudeau scrap July 1 legalization date?

The dream of legally lighting up on Canada Day 2018 is going up in smoke as PM Justin Trudeau said cannabis won’t be legalized by July 1st, although Trudeau did say it will still happen “next summer”. Trudeau’s refusal to specify a date buys the Liberals a lot more time, but we also shouldn’t forget that […]

The post Why did Trudeau scrap July 1 legalization date? appeared first on Cannabis Life Network.

from https://cannabislifenetwork.com/why-did-trudeau-scrap-july-1-legalization-date/

Why did Trudeau scrap July 1 legalization date? is republished from Mrs. Hardy 420!

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/21/why-did-trudeau-scrap-july-1-legalization-date/

5 Benefits of Growing Your Own Cannabis

High quality cannabis is not cheap. Just ask the millions of smokers who can afford it. Have you ever thought about the benefits of growing your own weed? Perhaps you should. Growing cannabis will help cut down the cost of purchasing it as well as provide you with a great experience. Growing cannabis may seem […]

The post 5 Benefits of Growing Your Own Cannabis appeared first on Cannabis Life Network.

from https://cannabislifenetwork.com/5-benefits-of-growing-your-own-cannabis/

5 Benefits of Growing Your Own Cannabis was first seen on Mrs. Hardy's 420 Blog

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/21/5-benefits-of-growing-your-own-cannabis/

How to Build a Gingerbread Bong in a Few Simple Steps!

Well, we are officially in the midst of holiday season. And if you’re in a stressful whirlwind of finding the perfect gifts for all your loved ones, let’s take a break and have some fun — that’s what the holidaze are about anyways, right? We at Marijuana.com love stepping up to the challenge of turning [...]

from https://www.marijuana.com/news/2017/12/how-to-build-a-gingerbread-bong-in-a-few-simple-steps/

The blog post How to Build a Gingerbread Bong in a Few Simple Steps! is available on https://www.mrs-hardy.com

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/21/how-to-build-a-gingerbread-bong-in-a-few-simple-steps/

Cannabis vs. Beer: Alcohol industry worried by declining sales

An American study recently looked at states where medicinal cannabis is legal and studied its impact on alcohol sales. The researchers found that within two years of medicinal cannabis becoming legal, there was a 13% drop in beer and wine sales! Keep in mind that researchers studied states where medicinal cannabis was legal. If recreational […]

The post Cannabis vs. Beer: Alcohol industry worried by declining sales appeared first on Cannabis Life Network.

from https://cannabislifenetwork.com/cannabis-vs-beer-alcohol-industry-worried-by-declining-sales/

The blog article Cannabis vs. Beer: Alcohol industry worried by declining sales Read more on: https://www.mrs-hardy.com

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/20/cannabis-vs-beer-alcohol-industry-worried-by-declining-sales/

Marijuana Business Perils of Cash-Only Commerce

While legal sales of recreational marijuana in California will be a reality in a matter of weeks, it’s also true that marijuana businesses face some major logistical hurdles. One of the most difficult among those challenges is being forced to do cash-only commerce.

Because marijuana is still illegal at the federal level (a fact that seems unlikely to change under the current administration), federally-backed banking institutions are vulnerable to potential seizure of funds by the FDIC if they accept money derived from criminal activity. Essentially, these financial firms can be prosecuted for money laundering. The result is that the majority of marijuana businesses – about 70 percent – don’t have a bank account. There are only a few banks that will accept marijuana business clients, and they rarely advertise it.

As an article in The Economist recently noted, this fact put some cannabis farmers in Northern California in serious financial jeopardy when the wildfires consumed not only their crops, but their cash. In one instance, a cannabis genetics consulting firm lost $250,000 that had been stashed in a cabinet. Another cannabis cooperative in Medicino County reported the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars by some 20 members who buried their cash and gold stashes – only one of which was buried deep enough to survive destruction.

Although Proposition 64 broadened the legalized use and sale of marijuana in California, it did nothing to ease the federal banking regulations that have financial institutions reticent to take work with cannabis companies. The reality is unless there is some action on this front at the federal level, these kinds of issues will continue to occur.

Our cannabis business attorneys in Los Angeles know that this federal-state conflict sets off a number of other issues.

Because these firms operate primarily in cash, they are at risk of robbery. Cannabis business owners know that if they want to stay operational, they must invest in tight security measures. This is further underscored by the fact that California’s new recreational cannabis regulations require minimal security levels, though most already have some type of system in place.

Authorities have expressed concerns that because these businesses mostly deal with untraceable cash, they will be targets – or facilitators of – public corruption, specifically bribes or kickbacks for profitable licensing and permits.

Another common issue is insurance coverage. We saw this with the recent wildfires too. Although insurance coverage would provide security for natural disasters, many marijuana businesses can’t afford the coverage.

One alternative to which some businesses are turning are so-called “cryptocurrencies.” These are transaction forms such as bitcoin that many are banking on being safer from prosecution, theft or natural disasters. As noted by a Bloomberg analysis earlier this year, these kinds of digital coin services create an intermediary that allows cannabis companies to use bank-issued credit cards for transactions. These operations are still transparent, but don’t require access to traditional banking services. Customers can use their credit cards to buy digital credits for a transaction fee and cannabis companies that accept that type of currency. These digital currency services say they have taken a number of steps to ensure compliance with federal law, but it’s important to discuss your business practices with an experienced marijuana lawyer for maximum protection from federal and regulatory scrutiny.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients and those facing marijuana charges. Call us at 714-937-2050.

Additional Resources:

Marijuana businesses, excluded from finance, are forced to use cash, Dec. 6, 2017, The Economist

More Blog Entries:

Federal Banking Regulations Make Dispensaries Robbery Targets, Nov. 18, 2017, L.A. Marijuana Business Attorney Blog

from https://www.marijuanalawyerblog.com/2017/12/marijuana-business-perils-cash-commerce.html

The following blog article Marijuana Business Perils of Cash-Only Commerce See more on: https://www.mrs-hardy.com/

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/19/marijuana-business-perils-of-cash-only-commerce-2/

Marijuana Business Perils of Cash-Only Commerce

While legal sales of recreational marijuana in California will be a reality in a matter of weeks, it’s also true that marijuana businesses face some major logistical hurdles. One of the most difficult among those challenges is being forced to do cash-only commerce.

Because marijuana is still illegal at the federal level (a fact that seems unlikely to change under the current administration), federally-backed banking institutions are vulnerable to potential seizure of funds by the FDIC if they accept money derived from criminal activity. Essentially, these financial firms can be prosecuted for money laundering. The result is that the majority of marijuana businesses – about 70 percent – don’t have a bank account. There are only a few banks that will accept marijuana business clients, and they rarely advertise it.

As an article in The Economist recently noted, this fact put some cannabis farmers in Northern California in serious financial jeopardy when the wildfires consumed not only their crops, but their cash. In one instance, a cannabis genetics consulting firm lost $250,000 that had been stashed in a cabinet. Another cannabis cooperative in Medicino County reported the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars by some 20 members who buried their cash and gold stashes – only one of which was buried deep enough to survive destruction.

Although Proposition 64 broadened the legalized use and sale of marijuana in California, it did nothing to ease the federal banking regulations that have financial institutions reticent to take work with cannabis companies. The reality is unless there is some action on this front at the federal level, these kinds of issues will continue to occur.

Our cannabis business attorneys in Los Angeles know that this federal-state conflict sets off a number of other issues.

Because these firms operate primarily in cash, they are at risk of robbery. Cannabis business owners know that if they want to stay operational, they must invest in tight security measures. This is further underscored by the fact that California’s new recreational cannabis regulations require minimal security levels, though most already have some type of system in place.

Authorities have expressed concerns that because these businesses mostly deal with untraceable cash, they will be targets – or facilitators of – public corruption, specifically bribes or kickbacks for profitable licensing and permits.

Another common issue is insurance coverage. We saw this with the recent wildfires too. Although insurance coverage would provide security for natural disasters, many marijuana businesses can’t afford the coverage.

One alternative to which some businesses are turning are so-called “cryptocurrencies.” These are transaction forms such as bitcoin that many are banking on being safer from prosecution, theft or natural disasters. As noted by a Bloomberg analysis earlier this year, these kinds of digital coin services create an intermediary that allows cannabis companies to use bank-issued credit cards for transactions. These operations are still transparent, but don’t require access to traditional banking services. Customers can use their credit cards to buy digital credits for a transaction fee and cannabis companies that accept that type of currency. These digital currency services say they have taken a number of steps to ensure compliance with federal law, but it’s important to discuss your business practices with an experienced marijuana lawyer for maximum protection from federal and regulatory scrutiny.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients and those facing marijuana charges. Call us at 714-937-2050.

Additional Resources:

Marijuana businesses, excluded from finance, are forced to use cash, Dec. 6, 2017, The Economist

More Blog Entries:

Federal Banking Regulations Make Dispensaries Robbery Targets, Nov. 18, 2017, L.A. Marijuana Business Attorney Blog

from https://www.marijuanalawyerblog.com/2017/12/marijuana-business-perils-cash-commerce.html

The following blog article Marijuana Business Perils of Cash-Only Commerce was initially seen on https://www.mrs-hardy.com

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/19/marijuana-business-perils-of-cash-only-commerce/

Cannabis Growers of Canada speak out on Manitoba’s ban on home grows

Chad Jackett, the President of the Cannabis Growers of Canada, called in to CJOB 680 Winnipeg recently to talk about Manitoba’s plan to ban home cultivation- even though the federal government has allowed home cultivation of up to 4 plants. So far, Manitoba and Quebec are the only two provinces to ban home growing outright. Chad […]

The post Cannabis Growers of Canada speak out on Manitoba’s ban on home grows appeared first on Cannabis Life Network.

from https://cannabislifenetwork.com/cannabis-growers-of-canada-speak-out-on-manitobas-ban-on-home-grows/

The blog article Cannabis Growers of Canada speak out on Manitoba’s ban on home grows is courtesy of https://www.mrs-hardy.com/

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/19/cannabis-growers-of-canada-speak-out-on-manitobas-ban-on-home-grows-5/

Cannabis Growers of Canada speak out on Manitoba’s ban on home grows

Chad Jackett, the President of the Cannabis Growers of Canada, called in to CJOB 680 Winnipeg recently to talk about Manitoba’s plan to ban home cultivation- even though the federal government has allowed home cultivation of up to 4 plants. So far, Manitoba and Quebec are the only two provinces to ban home growing outright. Chad […]

The post Cannabis Growers of Canada speak out on Manitoba’s ban on home grows appeared first on Cannabis Life Network.

from https://cannabislifenetwork.com/cannabis-growers-of-canada-speak-out-on-manitobas-ban-on-home-grows/

Cannabis Growers of Canada speak out on Manitoba’s ban on home grows See more on: Mrs. Hardy 420!

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/19/cannabis-growers-of-canada-speak-out-on-manitobas-ban-on-home-grows-4/

Cannabis Growers of Canada speak out on Manitoba’s ban on home grows

Chad Jackett, the President of the Cannabis Growers of Canada, called in to CJOB 680 Winnipeg recently to talk about Manitoba’s plan to ban home cultivation- even though the federal government has allowed home cultivation of up to 4 plants. So far, Manitoba and Quebec are the only two provinces to ban home growing outright. Chad […]

The post Cannabis Growers of Canada speak out on Manitoba’s ban on home grows appeared first on Cannabis Life Network.

from https://cannabislifenetwork.com/cannabis-growers-of-canada-speak-out-on-manitobas-ban-on-home-grows/

The article Cannabis Growers of Canada speak out on Manitoba’s ban on home grows was initially published on Mrs. Hardy's Blog

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/19/cannabis-growers-of-canada-speak-out-on-manitobas-ban-on-home-grows-3/

Cannabis Growers of Canada speak out on Manitoba’s ban on home grows

Chad Jackett, the President of the Cannabis Growers of Canada, called in to CJOB 680 Winnipeg recently to talk about Manitoba’s plan to ban home cultivation- even though the federal government has allowed home cultivation of up to 4 plants. So far, Manitoba and Quebec are the only two provinces to ban home growing outright. Chad […]

The post Cannabis Growers of Canada speak out on Manitoba’s ban on home grows appeared first on Cannabis Life Network.

from https://cannabislifenetwork.com/cannabis-growers-of-canada-speak-out-on-manitobas-ban-on-home-grows/

Cannabis Growers of Canada speak out on Manitoba’s ban on home grows See more on: https://www.mrs-hardy.com/

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2017/12/19/cannabis-growers-of-canada-speak-out-on-manitobas-ban-on-home-grows-2/