Feds Consider Marijuana to be Criminal, While Legal Knockoffs Hospitalize Users

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Resources:

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

More Blog Entries:

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

from https://www.marijuanalawyerblog.com/2018/04/feds-consider-marijuana-to-be-criminal-while-legal-knockoffs-hospitalize-users.html

Feds Consider Marijuana to be Criminal, While Legal Knockoffs Hospitalize Users See more on: The Mrs. Hardy Blog

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Tourists Could Cause Marijuana Shortage in CA This Summer

California marijuana supply shortages have been of mounting concern, 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 714-937-2050.

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

from https://www.marijuanalawyerblog.com/2018/04/tourists-could-cause-marijuana-shortage-in-ca-this-summer.html

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Former cannabis grower Anthony Coletti on how being shot 7 times changed his life

Anthony Coletti used to be one of the biggest growers of medical cannabis in Toronto until someone tried to kill him. He got into growing in 2011, and over 3 years, he became very successful, and during those years, he eventually got involved in the underworld- he was living the high life with all of the […]

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Cannabis Legalization and Reform Discussed in D.C.

As I look back at the last four years of cannabis legalization it is easy to forget how far we have come. I have been to nearly every legal cannabis market in the country (including Amsterdam last year), and I can say with great confidence that from a consumer standpoint nobody does retail cannabis as well as Washington State. There is not even a distant second.

Cannabis legalization and reform was the topic of conversation in Washington D.C.

While the paradigm of oversupply makes things difficult on producers and processors, the natural byproduct of this (particularly in a system with no vertical integration) is an incredible variety of products for consumers to pick from. In a fight for space on a retailer’s shelves, you will invariably see quality go up, and prices come down. Moreover, with so many retail stores fighting for a finite pool of customers, the stores need to focus on customer service and experience if they are to retain market share. All of this makes Washington a virtual utopia when it comes to shopping for cannabis.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, Eric Gaston, and other agents of change prepared to sit at the table for cannabis reform.

That being said, it is perplexing that Washington State seems to get lost in the national conversation around cannabis legalization and the legal cannabis industry. With this in mind, I was excited by the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. this month as part of a joint lobbying effort organized by WACA2 and attended by approximately 30 industry stakeholders including CORE members, WACA members, Tribal leaders, LCB leadership, Cannabis regulators from Alaska, the CEO of Salal Credit Union, and Senator Ann Rivers.

The purpose of this trip (which was the second annual trip of this nature) was to meet with lawmakers in order to discuss issues that are important to the ongoing development of our industry. We were able to meet with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Congressman Blumenauer of Oregon (who has been a champion of cannabis legalization since he took public office), Congressman Young of Alaska, Senator Warren of Massachusetts, and Senators Cantwell and Murray of Washington State.

Each of these lawmakers were very well versed in many of the hurdles and challenges our industry is facing. Each were likewise well aware that the business of cannabis is a driver of both tax revenue and employment, and all agreed that the parade of horribles described by detractors of retail or medical cannabis have never materialized in those States which have legalized.

Washington State Senator Patty Murray is in attendance of the conversation around cannabis reform and legalization.

One of the narratives shared by our group was the lack of conventional banking channels, and the concern of stakeholders over the rescission of the Cole memorandum which served to muddy the waters of an already murky banking situation. While lawmakers were sympathetic to the instability created by the current administration, none were confident of any immediate clarity or relief. In fact, while we were in D.C. it was unclear whether or not the protections for medical cannabis afforded by the Rohrabacher amendment would even be extended (they were, but without the addition of language which would have similarly protected retail cannabis from Federal prosecution).

The most discouraging meeting was with Congressman Reichert’s staff. Congressman Reichert (who is retiring) has been a critic of cannabis legalization, and from a policy standpoint his office equated the argument that it creates tax revenue and jobs, with the rejoinder that legalizing heroin would similarly create tax revenue.

While it is extremely helpful to understand the mindset of an opponent, it is likewise difficult to envision a path forward with lawmakers who honestly share this opinion. Clearly cannabis is nothing like heroin, and it is incumbent upon us to educate those who believe it is.

Senator Elizabeth Warren and Eric Gaston present and accounted for in Washington D.C. to support legal cannabis.

On the whole, my experience in the “other Washington” was informative and inspiring. I like to tell my coworkers that we are each agents of change, and that the eyes of the world are upon us. Being able to take part in discussion with lawmakers about our industry, alongside other thought-leaders in this space was an honor that is not lost on me. Washington State has much to be proud of. We are the highest regulated, highest taxed, legal cannabis industry in the world, and at the same time consumers are afforded best retail cannabis experience to be had. Washington State has collected over a billion dollars in tax revenue, violent crime is down, and underage usage has not gone up (even dropping in some areas).

Those of us in this industry need to continue to galvanize around those issues that will help all of us: access to banking, the elimination of unfair tax treatment (IRS tax code 280(e)), enhanced penalties for crimes committed against I502 business, and the rescheduling of cannabis (just to name a few). What became clear to me in D.C. is that each of us needs to be a good steward of this industry for change to take place, and as we met with lawmakers I could not avoid thinking about the old adage that when it comes to lawmaking “if you are not sitting at the table you are probably on the menu.” So, get out there and get involved with cannabis legalization and reform. We are all on this amazing journey together, let’s be the tide that raises all the boats.

 Written by: Eric Gaston

The post Cannabis Legalization and Reform Discussed in D.C. appeared first on Evergreen Market.

from https://www.theevergreenmarket.com/dc-cannabis-legalization/

The blog article Cannabis Legalization and Reform Discussed in D.C. See more on: Mrs. Hardy 420!

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Rae Sremmurd drops by Studio 710 in Clip of the Week

The hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd recently dropped by Studio 710 to chop it up with Craig Ex aka the Expert of Expert Joints. The group has been busy in the past few years, racking up awards and hitting number 1 on the Billboard Top 100 with “Black Beatles“. Their highly anticipated album, SR3MM, is due sometime this year. […]

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from https://cannabislifenetwork.com/rae-sremmurd-drops-by-studio-710-in-clip-of-the-week/

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Chef Travis Petersen, aka the Nomad Cook, brings cannabis-infused fine dining to Vancouver

Chef Travis Petersen, also known as the Nomad Cook, is one of Canada’s up-and-coming chefs- he made the top 20 in season 3 of Masterchef Canada and cooked for Vancouver’s Dinner in the Sky in 2017- and he’s bringing a 6-course THC-infused dinner to Vancouver this 4/20 weekend. CLN interviewed him on everything from pans to potheads, […]

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from https://cannabislifenetwork.com/chef-travis-petersen-aka-the-nomad-cook-brings-cannabis-infused-fine-dining-to-vancouver/

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San Bernardino Sued for Exclusionary Marijuana Business Regulation

Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego and San Francisco have been praised for being at the forefront of decriminalization and legalization of marijuana in California.

On the flip side, we have San Bernardino. The city recently passed a regulation (Ordinance No. 1464 Section 5.10) that prevents any cannabis business that has “conducted commercial cannabis activity in the City of San Bernardino in violation of local and state law” from obtaining one of the 17 licenses available in the city.

One savvy business owner isn’t taking this move lying down, though. She is suing the city after officials in December raided and shut down a facility she owned and leased out to cannabis growers. They confiscated 35,000 marijuana plants, according to a report from High Times. And though the owner of the facility was never charged, she still falls under the current restrictions and is not qualified for one of the licenses, currently being given to other establishments who have the same intention as her: to run a facility for growing marijuana.Our knowledgeable Riverside marijuana business attorneys know the actions of officials in San Bernardino are in stark contrast to other areas of the state, which are actively trying to get unlicensed operations in compliance with state and local laws. Smart leaders know the best way to curb illegal activity is to make the path to compliance as smooth as possible. Legal sale and taxation of recreational marijuana went into effect in California Jan. 1, 2018, thanks t0 Proposition 64 and its follow-up bill, the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act, which consolidated California recreational and medical marijuana laws. And since the beginning of legalization discussions, the state has made it clear that one of its goals was to make amends for suffering that has befallen people due to the bunk War on Drugs, particularly minority communities who were punished disproportionately for the same crimes committed in predominantly white communities.

Many cities are automatically expunging past misdemeanor records, and reducing harsher punishments, while others are educating people on their right to clear their name under the new law. Some have outreach programs meant to lift up communities hit hardest by drug arrests in the past, and some are making sure to give preferential treatment to license applicants with marijuana-related criminal history as a way to make a fresh start.

We hope this lawsuit will be a wake-up call to San Bernardino that the past is best left in the past and it is wise to move forward in good faith toward a brighter future where authorities and cannabis business owners can co-exist in a mutually beneficial, symbiotic relationship, instead of at each other’s throats.

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:

San Bernardino Adopts New Marijuana Regulations, Feb. 22, 2018, By Jim Steinberg, The Sun

More Blog Entries:

Two California Cities Erasing Misdemeanor Marijuana Convictions, Feb. 9, 2018, Cannabis Law Group

from https://www.marijuanalawyerblog.com/2018/04/san-bernardino-sued-for-exclusionary-marijuana-business-regulation.html

The following blog article San Bernardino Sued for Exclusionary Marijuana Business Regulation was originally published to www.mrs-hardy.com

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