City of Los Angeles Implements Sweeping Changes to Cannabis Licensing in Unanimous Council Vote, Here are Four Key Amendments to Lookout For
Recently, the Los Angeles City Council passed an ordinance into law that brings sweeping changes to the City’s commercial cannabis industry. The ordinance, passed by unanimous vote on May 23, 2023 and signed into LAMC by Mayor Bass on May 26, 2023, has several game-changing implications for licensed cannabis operators and prospective applicants seeking licensure in […]
Proposed Ordinance Changes from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulation
The City of Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) is currently working on proposed ordinance changes that will impact current and future cannabis industry professionals on multiple levels. Below is an overview of the existing ordinances, amendments, and new language being reviewed by the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC), including: Amendments to LAMC in […]
What are the Risks of Entering the California Cannabis Market in 2023?
The cannabis industry has grown exponentially in recent years and over the past dozen years the California cannabis attorneys at Manzuri Law have been representing commercial cannabis entrepreneurs, start-ups, existing business owners, venture capitalists, and outside investors. Irrespective of the overall market growth, entering the California cannabis industry in 2023 still carries ongoing risks involving […]
What Does it Take to Successfully Merge Two California Cannabis Businesses?
As cannabis laws and regulations continue to evolve, and more cities and counties continue to open their proverbial doors for cannabis licensees, California cannabis businesses have a unique opportunity to prepare for potential mergers and acquisitions (M&A). M&As can be an exciting prospect for both new and veteran cannabis industry professionals throughout the state. Unfortunately, […]
What is Considered a Cannabis Licensing Violation in California?
At Manzuri Law, our California cannabis attorneys have successfully represented many clients who have faced disciplinary actions against their cannabis operations from the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). Our industry specialists provide the specialized legal experience and resources necessary to navigate and overcome wide-ranging licensing violations for failing to comply with “any state law,” or […]
Food and Drug Administration Unable to Regulate CBD Products Under Its Current Structure
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) treats products containing CBD or cannabis-derived compounds as it does any other FDA-regulated products — meaning they are subject to the same authorities and requirements as any other substance. This guidance was issued near the end of January 2023, whereby the FDA said it is unable to regulate […]
Can I Appeal a California Cannabis License Fine, Suspension, Revocation, or Denial?
At Manzuri Law, our experienced California cannabis attorneys know that when industry professionals are presented with citations or other disciplinary notices from the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), this may be a sign of significant challenges to come. Unfortunately, these notices are common. The all-encompassing language of failing to comply with “any state law,” or […]
Do I Need a California Cannabis Attorney to Appear at a DCC Administrative Hearing?
At Manzuri Law, our California cannabis attorneys represent license applicants or current licensees at administrative hearings and appeals during controversies with the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). Following the issuance of a citation, the licensee, or person without a license, may choose to contest the disciplinary actions for violation(s) alleged by the DCC. The ability […]
Update on the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is the largest hurdle for cannabis provisional licensees to obtain an annual license from the Department of Cannabis Control (the “DCC”). Only after a project provides evidential CEQA compliance will the DCC issue an annual license. By way of background, CEQA is a state law passed in 1970 that requires […]
Current Cannabis Application & License Fees in California
At Manzuri Law, our California cannabis attorneys have helped procure and/or maintain over 200 licenses for business owners throughout the state. One of the most important aspects of our industry advocacy is ensuring our clients understand the fees associated with obtaining and renewing California cannabis business licenses. To start, each California cannabis license type has […]