Colorado Authorities Shut Down 26 Cannabis Businesses

Marijuana has become legal in many states across the country, for both medical and recreational use. California is the latest states to pave the way for recreational cannabis businesses through the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, which went into effect Jan. 1, 2018.

But just because a state has legalized cannabis does not mean there is a marijuana free-for-all with no rules or consequences.

For example, Colorado voters passed Amendment 64 in 2012, allowing for personal recreational use of marijuana for adults over 21. Sales began in the state in 2014. But recently 26 legal cannabis businesses were shut down by authorities in Denver.

All of the operations were either store fronts or growing facilities operating under the Sweet Leaf name. While the operations were licensed and legal, they had been under investigation for the past year on suspicion the businesses were exceeding individual sales limits set by the state. Colorado regulations restrict possession to one ounce or less of marijuana per adult.

Police said they were monitoring eight of the 26 sites for the past year. The investigation culminated in a raid of the targeted locations and suspension of all related operations in the state under the same name. The company owns one location in Oregon which was not affected by the raid.

Authorities arrested 12 people in connection with the case. During the ordered shut down, the businesses will not be allowed to sell or produce any cannabis products. In the meantime, the investigation is ongoing and the city scheduled public hearings until the matter is sorted out.

This is the first time Colorado marijuana businesses have been raided since legalization, according to a report from the Associated Press. The state, including Governor John Hickenlooper, has been vocal about protecting its cannabis industry from federal meddling. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made it no secret that he does not approve of state cannabis legalization, and wants to uphold marijuana’s standing as a Schedule I narcotic on the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 

However, such protections do not extend to businesses who are suspected of violating the state and local regulations.

This is where the guidance of our Orange County attorneys for cannabis businesses comes into play. Our lawyers have years of experience helping set up collectives and create business plans that will not only be successful, but also keep you in compliance with the state and local laws. And should you find yourself charged with violating one of those laws, our criminal defense team is by your side with a comprehensive understanding of the industry and how to best defend out clients.

This story out of Colorado should be a cautionary tale to commercial marijuana businesses currently setting up shop or turning in license applications in California, as well as businesses in other states that are already established. An owner’s work isn’t over once they meet the guidelines to begin operations. It is essential to know the law and ardently follow those laws to keep your business above board. It may be tempting to cut corners to secure higher profits, but such actions can be much more costly in the end.

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

Additional Resources:

Denver Shuts Down 26 Legal Pot Businesses, Makes Arrests, Dec. 14, 2017, By Kathleen Foody, Associated Press

More Blog Entries:

Report: Colorado Marijuana Laws May Not Be Safe, Feb. 5, 2017, Cannabis Business Attorney Blog

 

 

 

from https://www.marijuanalawyerblog.com/2018/01/colorado-authorities-shut-26-cannabis-businesses.html

Colorado Authorities Shut Down 26 Cannabis Businesses was originally published to www.mrs-hardy.com

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2018/01/12/colorado-authorities-shut-down-26-cannabis-businesses/

Interviewing Educator Mike Rhode at The Evergreen Market

Educator Mike Rhode’s first love was flower, but upon moving to the PNW- terpy dabs have quickly become the favorite.

Mike Rhode didn’t end up in the cannabis industry by accident.

This time last year, Mike was in the middle of making the biggest change of his life. He dropped everything and hit the road to cross the country and come to Washington state, intent on becoming a part of the booming industry surrounding his favorite plant– cannabis.

“When Colorado and Washington legalized I was still in high school at the time, but it was a huge wake up call. I knew I wanted to be a part of that. I love smoking weed.”

It was a risk that Mike would undoubtedly say paid off, but nothing was guaranteed when he arrived to the PNW. “I called up my best friend and said ‘hey, wanna move to a state where weed is legal?’” When Mike got here he ended up working at a local hotel for three months before landing his foot in the door at The Evergreen Market. “I went to The Evergreen Market regularly, naturally it became my first choice to work at. Another employee encouraged me to apply, so I did.”

Just like many modern stoners, Mike’s infatuation with flower was quickly replaced by concentrates. New York Mike is a dabber through and through.

“Oil over flower. I love to dab it, pens are okay, carts are fine– but nothing beats a fat glob on a hot nail straight to the face.”

He credits the convenience and flavor to his preference. “I’m a busy guy.” Mike said referencing the speedy effects that a big dab has versus sitting and burning a bowl or a joint. Specifically terp sauce is where it’s at for him, and coincidentally also a trend we’re seeing industry-wide. The more that terpenes become common knowledge, the more we might see the focus shift off of what is the highest THC percentage to what is really packing those rich essential oils that dictate taste and aroma. It’s those specific characteristics that land Tangie as Mike’s favorite strain. When talking about why Tangie is number one for him, he said, “the mental stimulation and the flower having a specific flavor profile, there’s nothing compared to the taste of real Tangie.”

Tangie is Mike’s favorite. “The strain has the most orange-y, tangerine taste and smell.”

Mike doesn’t smoke strictly Tangie, of course. He also cites Strawberry Cough as another favorite for a different reason. His favorite strain for a particular outside of work activity. “Strawberry Cough and small shows like the ones in bars. I go to Ballard a lot, Tractor Tavern next to Hattie’s Hat is a great dive.” Mike uses going to shows as a way to get out of the house. Not all stoners just stick to their couch. “Strawberry Cough is that classic sativa buzz I want for being out and awake. The music sets can be kinda long. I’m anxious a lot, but Strawberry Cough makes me very social. I’ll go to concerts by myself to step out of my comfort zone and even if I don’t talk to anyone, it allows me to get out and be social. Anxiety is a really bad friend that tells you a lot of lies and some Strawberry Cough while going to a show really helps me with that.”

New York Mike hasn’t had any trouble fitting in with the Evergreen State, but if you ask him about his favorite munchies you see that you never really leave where you come from behind. “A good slice of pizza. A classic New York slice. Pepperoni, that’s all you need. Foldable. Portable. You can eat it anywhere and get it for $1.80/ slice. And if you’re gonna dip it in anything it’s bleu cheese, not ranch.”

Of course, Mike hopes to see full legalization hit his home state, but dreaming even bigger than that he hopes to specifically see The Evergreen Market come to the East Coast. “I don’t necessarily want to see Evergreen pop up in big cities, but instead in places like where I’m from. My dream for TEM is to break ground in my hometown. I love Washington, I’ve been told I’ve got the PNW vibe, but you never forget where you come from. Maybe my teachers and parents didn’t teach me how to dab, but they really gave me the tools and skills to make this all possible. I want to go back, and give back, and I would really like to do that with Evergreen.”

As a matter of fact, Mike is all about his second home with Evergreen Market. When asked if he has any mentors or role models within i502 he highlighted everybody he shares this company with. “Everyone at The Evergreen Market. Not just at the upper levels either, I don’t know if it’s a secret or anything but the industry turnover rate is pretty high and the people that stick with us are in it for real. Some people think we might lose something by going mainstream, but everyone that’s here is really different and set for normalizing cannabis. The convergence of three great minds creating something like this is amazing.”

“Great minds attract successful, driven people and I like seeing those people create something fruitful.”

A point that came up in a recent educator meeting was just what New York Mike referenced within his answer– the hesitancy of cannabis becoming mainstream. A perspective-checking counterpoint came from Eric Gaston, one of The Evergreen Market founders. Eric made the statement, “If you love cannabis, and see what this plant can do why wouldn’t you want everyone to be smoking? I think the world might be a better place if everyone smoked cannabis.” Mike Rhode lives this sentiment even when he’s not at work. “I’m not a keyboard warrior or anything, but I like to stop the spread of misinformation so I’ll talk about cannabis off the clock. I like talking to people about weed to get them aware and excited, mostly excited. I wear the Evergreen shirts and rep it everywhere, I love it.”

The educator position was a natural fit for Mike who was already championing cannabis before he was even aware of what the educator position entailed. “After talking to Vaughn and Dillon I really got the grasp of what it meant to be an educator. I wanted more responsibility within the industry for myself, but also for the customers. I wanted to be a reassuring voice, not necessarily someone that knows better but can guide and direct and make sure the cannabis experience isn’t scary.”

The passion for the plant coupled with the enthusiasm for people who come into our stores is what makes Mike a natural asset. When asked about what the most eye-opening experience as an educator has been his answer speaks directly to the connection with the customer. “Someone who hasn’t really experienced cannabis before for example, or hasn’t smoked it in a long time, maybe they’re trying it ‘cause it’s legal now. I get excited about people that are excited about cannabis. I will guide them with a smile on my face, not to devalue the people that come in and want their daily $40 sack, but the people that are like ‘wow, cool, amazing. What can you tell me about this?’ The answer is how much time you got? Cause I’ve got all the time in the world.”

 

Written By: Nikki Marangon

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The post Interviewing Educator Mike Rhode at The Evergreen Market appeared first on Evergreen Market.

from https://www.theevergreenmarket.com/educator-mike-rhode/

Interviewing Educator Mike Rhode at The Evergreen Market was first seen on The Mrs. Hardy Blog

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2018/01/12/interviewing-educator-mike-rhode-at-the-evergreen-market/

Marijuana Official Tells California Residents What to Expect in 2018

The Cannabis Law Group is prepared for the onslaught of challenges that face the residents and cannabis business owners of California with the implementation of the Adult Use of Marijuana Act at the start of this new year, legalizing recreational marijuana.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Resources:

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

Other Blog Entries:

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

 

from https://www.marijuanalawyerblog.com/2018/01/marijuana-official-tells-california-residents-expect-2018.html

The following blog article Marijuana Official Tells California Residents What to Expect in 2018 Find more on: The Mrs. Hardy Blog

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2018/01/10/marijuana-official-tells-california-residents-what-to-expect-in-2018/

Health Canada Roundtable pt. 2: Retail, concentration limits, medical cannabis, and more

In part two on Health Canada’s cannabis roundtable, CLN examines: Retail Concentration limits Medical Cannabis Interprovincial trade barriers Branding The roundtable, held last month in Vancouver at Canada Place, was a chance for open dialogue between the BC cannabis community and Health Canada. Please see part one for the discussion on cannabis licences, micro-grows, genetic diversity, and […]

The post Health Canada Roundtable pt. 2: Retail, concentration limits, medical cannabis, and more appeared first on Cannabis Life Network.

from https://cannabislifenetwork.com/health-canada-roundtable-pt-2-retail-concentration-limits-medical-cannabis-and-more/

Health Canada Roundtable pt. 2: Retail, concentration limits, medical cannabis, and more was first seen on https://www.mrs-hardy.com/

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2018/01/09/health-canada-roundtable-pt-2-retail-concentration-limits-medical-cannabis-and-more/

Cautious Optimism Surrounds Marijuana Business Stocks

While there are lingering concerns around the cannabis industry, with the federal government scrutinizing state legalization measures and uncertainty about the effects of tax reform and unemployment rates, there is still a lot of optimism surrounding marijuana industry stocks in the U.S.

Cannabis stocks saw a spike around the holiday season, bolstered by an increase in spending overall in November of 2017. Some reports even indicated marijuana and marijuana products were a popular gift this year. Our marijuana attorneys urge you to check local laws and only purchase, give and transport commercial products legally.

With reports showing possible economic growth in the U.S., it could mean a continued upswing for an ever-expanding marijuana market. The right factors seem to be in place to potentially see more people investing in the industry and more consumers with expendable income to buy recreational marijuana and related products.

This trend is expected to continue with California recently opening up legal recreational marijuana sales in the state, thanks to the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, ushering in the potential for a great deal of commerce in one of the nation’s biggest markets. Cities across the state were able to decide for themselves whether to participate and how, with major markets such Los Angeles throwing their hats in the ring.

According to an analysis of numbers from the North American Marijuana Index, the end of 2017 saw much growth for cannabis stocks in the U.S. This was despite overall markets (Dow Jones Industrial Average, NASDAQ, and S&P 500) falling the week of Christmas. This is good news for marijuana industry investors as to the strength of this market.

However, our California marijuana business lawyers know these investments are still not meeting full potential due to nationwide concerns over Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ looming desire to reign in legal sales. Even though 30 states have now legalized marijuana for either medical or recreational use (or both), cannabis retains its Schedule I status at the federal level, making it akin to Heroin and cocaine despite being non-lethal and having medical benefits. At the moment, a stance from the White House is unclear, and the legislative branch is embroiled in other issues.

The best bet before making any moves in the cannabis industry, whether in the medical sector or in new recreational markets, is to seek sound legal advice to help navigate the ever-changing legal terrain. We are still hopeful that the overwhelming benefits of the cannabis industry will overcome obstacles, particularly the hefty tax revenues brought in by the states. But our primary focus is on the laws and the uncertain climate we are entering.

Our neighbors to the north in Canada have more to celebrate, with recreational legalization tracking to be put in place in the country this summer. They too saw a jump in cannabis stocks going in to the holidays, according to the Canadian Marijuana Index, while overall markets were unsteady. The North American Marijuana Index is calculated using the leading stocks among businesses with a strategy focused on the legal marijuana industry, with further division between the U.S. and Canadian markets.

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 Index Gains as Cannabis Stocks Cheer Consumer Spending Report, Dec. 22, 2017, By Brandon A. Dorfman, Pot Network

More Blog Entries:

Investors Eye Marijuana Stocks, Jan. 23, 2017, L.A. Marijuana Business Attorney Blog

 

from https://www.marijuanalawyerblog.com/2018/01/cautious-optimism-surrounds-marijuana-business-stocks.html

Cautious Optimism Surrounds Marijuana Business Stocks See more on: Mrs. Hardy's 420 Blog

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2018/01/08/cautious-optimism-surrounds-marijuana-business-stocks/

Health Canada roundtable pt. 1: cannabis licenses, micro-grows, genetics, and edibles

In mid-December, Health Canada held a roundtable on cannabis legalization in Vancouver at Canada Place, and this article takes a closer look at the big issues discussed that day, exploring: The federally proposed cannabis licences (which includes different categories for cultivation, processing, and selling to the public) The size of micro-grows The importance of getting genetic diversity […]

The post Health Canada roundtable pt. 1: cannabis licenses, micro-grows, genetics, and edibles appeared first on Cannabis Life Network.

from https://cannabislifenetwork.com/health-canada-roundtable-pt-1-cannabis-licenses-micro-grows-genetics-and-edibles/

Health Canada roundtable pt. 1: cannabis licenses, micro-grows, genetics, and edibles was originally published on https://www.mrs-hardy.com

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2018/01/06/health-canada-roundtable-pt-1-cannabis-licenses-micro-grows-genetics-and-edibles/

Upland Shuts Down Illegal Marijuana Dispensaries

On the same day many recreational marijuana dispensaries in California opened for business, one medical collective in Upland, Calif., was forced to shutter its doors for good.

For years, the owner of the collective in question pushed for Upland to lift its ban against medical marijuana. But the city has repeatedly fought back, working aggressively to close illegal dispensaries. Upland spent roughly $4.5 million on legal fees since 2014 and closed 24 illegal operations along the way, according to an article from the Daily Bulletin.

This particular owner, though, was characterized as a thorn in the city’s side throughout the process. He helped lead the charge in getting Measure U on the city’s November 2016 ballot, which was designed to ease up restrictions and pave the way for three medical dispensaries in Upland.

He assisted in collecting signatures and fighting tough legal battles to get the measure on the ballot. The California Cannabis Coalition took the matter all the way up to the California Supreme Court, which ruled the city must put Measure U up to vote in a special election. However despite all those efforts, the voters of Upland did not get on board, voting down the measure.To add extra salt in the wound, voters passed Measure E in June 2017, which granted Upland officials the power to ban most cannabis-related activity.

Our Riverside marijuana dispensary attorneys admire the efforts of this owner and the California Cannabis Coalition to fight for marijuana access for patients and residents of Upland. We know the benefits dispensaries, like the ones that closed in Upland, brought those who depended on medical cannabis, as well as those who had hopes of more access after the passing of Proposition 64, which opened the gates for recreational marijuana in the state. Cities throughout California have begun the process of putting guidelines in place and screening applications for commercial marijuana businesses, while other cities, like Upland, have established citywide bans.

We also know it’s far better for marijuana businesses to work with local and state governments rather than against them in order to minimize damages and optimize success. Our Riverside attorneys are keeping a close eye on ordinances being passed throughout Southern California in the wake of the Adult Use of Marijuana Act as well as all of the restrictions surrounding medical sales and use.

We are well-equipped to guide you in choosing a location and establishing a collective the proper way to ensure success under the evolving laws. We can help you get the proper licenses, set up a business plan, or defend you should you find yourself in violation of the law. We also will keep you informed on the latest happenings on the federal level, where the future of the marijuana industry is much less certain under the current administration.

Meanwhile, the Upland owner agreed to shut down his dispensary Jan. 1 and pay the city $100,000 in exchange for the removal of two citations against him. He also agreed not to open and establishment at that location or anywhere else in the city 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:

Upland Strikes Pact to Shutter Illegal Marijuana Dispensary, $100,000 Settlement, Dec. 24, 2017, By Liset Marquez, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

More Blog Entries:

Cannabis Businesses Could be the Next Great American Industry, May 23, 2017, L.A. Marijuana Lawyer Blog

 

from https://www.marijuanalawyerblog.com/2018/01/upland-shuts-illegal-marijuana-dispensaries.html

Upland Shuts Down Illegal Marijuana Dispensaries was initially seen on https://www.mrs-hardy.com

source https://www.mrs-hardy.com/2018/01/06/upland-shuts-down-illegal-marijuana-dispensaries/