Looking Through the Crystal Ball – 2020’s Cannabis Law Predictions
In California, 2019 was an interesting year and 2020 will continue to challenge cannabis business operators almost to a breaking point, but the hardships suffered this year will pave the way for major regulatory reform and tax reform. Those that survive this year’s struggles will reap the benefits. For over twenty years, cannabis business owners […]
New Year, New Regulator? Newsom Proposes Big Changes for California
Governor Newsom and his Administration are starting out the new decade strong with a proposed budget that benefits from a generous surplus. The $222.2 billion budget plan includes new funding for many programs and restructuring of others, including the regulatory framework for the cannabis industry. The proposals don’t include many specifics yet, but they will […]
Newly Enacted Employment Laws Your Cannabis Business Needs to Follow
California Legislature and Governor Newsom were busy in 2019 passing many new laws directly affecting California employers and employees. Please remember, only summaries are provided herein and legal advice should be sought prior to enactment of any new employment policy. Independent Contractors Following the California Supreme Court’s 2018 decision in Dynamex Operations West v. Superior […]
USDA Interim Final Hemp Rules
On October 31, 2019 — yes, on Halloween and almost a year after the legalization of commercial hemp production — the USDA finally released its interim final rule (“IFR”) to establish the Domestic Hemp Production Program. As you may recall, on December 20, 2018, the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 — better known as the […]
Defining Moments in 2019 Cannabis and What They Mean for 2020
It has been two years since California began licensing yet operators still struggle with compliance and are all still de facto, breaking one law or another. To kick us off, hemp was legalized at the federal level, and we entered into unchartered territory, navigating uncertain waters of the newest arm of the cannabis industry with […]
Coming Soon: Compassionate Care Program Implementation
As people prepare for 2020, it’s important to remember that new cannabis laws will go into effect beginning January 1. A couple of notable ones are Jojo’s law (SB 223, authorizes local education authorities to adopt policies that allow a student’s parent or guardian to administer certain types of medical cannabis on school grounds) and […]
Foresight in 2020: Employment Law Outlook for the Coming Year
In the countdown to the new year, it is important to evaluate your employment relationships and ensure compliance with the countless employment laws governing California businesses. Many of these laws are draconian in nature and non-compliance may lead to claims that are crippling to a company, even for the most minor of infractions. To compound […]
MedMen: Where There’s a Will, There’s a Lawsuit.
While the City of Los Angeles is receiving backlash for Phase 3 Retail Round 1 Licensing processes, the City of West Hollywood (“WeHo”) is actively defending its own application and licensing procedures in court. On September 4, 2019, MedMen, by and through its subsidiary Farmacy Collective (“MedMen”), filed a Petition for Writ of Mandate (a […]
Looking Ahead: California in Need of Creative Solutions for Regulatory Burdens
Black Friday may be right around the corner, but the state isn’t making it easy for cannabis business owners to see their accounting books transition into the black this year. Business owners striving to be compliant are still facing what seem to be insurmountable challenges in order to succeed between burdensome regulations, fierce, unfair competition […]
SAFE Banking: Crucial for Hemp Businesses to be Welcomed by Financial Institutions.
It’s no secret that the conflict between state and federal law has created banking issues for hundreds of state-licensed and regulated marijuana businesses. Cue the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act of 2019 – This bill, better known as the SAFE Banking Act, was passed by the House of Representatives on September 25, 2019 with […]