Legislative Limbo for Expired Temporary Licensees
California policymakers have several time-sensitive decisions on their plate regarding the cannabis industry. Surviving state license backlogs, navigating tax burdens, and reducing barriers to local licensure are just a handful of the biggest concerns facing cannabusinesses, and as we reach the halfway point for the 2019 legislative session, bills addressing these issues will live or […]
Cannabis Leases: Top 10 Things to Consider
There’s no such thing as a “basic” cannabis contract — and commercial cannabis leases are no exception. Unlike with standard commercial leases, cannabis landlords and tenants must navigate the inconsistencies (indeed, outright conflict) between federal and state law, the complexities of state and local laws and regulations, and unpredictable licensing timelines. With that said, here […]
Los Angeles: Timing, Practicality and Enforcement Concerns for Phase 3 Govern Newest Cannabis Policies
Since last month’s update, there have been several meetings where LA City Council and DCR discussed the different possibilities and processes for the upcoming Phase 3. After much debate and public input, the city has released final ordinances which you can read here. In addition, there have been several new motions put forth by the council that […]
THE (CANNABIS) CLONE WARS
By Abraham Finberg CPA and Simon Menkes CPA “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away …” It is a time of civil war, and the REBEL CANNABIS BUSINESS OWNERS are fighting battles on all fronts with the STORMTROOPERS from the federal, state, and local TAX AUTHORITIES. This article is about one such […]
The Legalities of Interstate Transportation of Hemp
Legalizing hemp is one thing, regulating the hemp industry is another. The 2018 Farm Bill explicitly legalized hemp production in the U.S., but transporting it across state lines is still questionable. In fact, the Farm Bill makes it clear that regulations for the hemp industry must be determined first before the movement of hemp can […]
LA Update- Phase 3, Social Equity, Budget Approval, and Enforcement.
Over the last several weeks, the City of Los Angeles has been very busy! The city has approved a budget for funding the DCR, funding for Enforcement against unlicensed shops, approved LADWP to shut off utilities, and recommended that the city start to enforce high fines and compensatory damages against landlords who continue to allow […]
Are Delivery “Pop Up Shops” Legal?
In case you missed it, Barneys New York made headlines this past February when it announced that it was opening its very own cannabis pop-up shop at its Beverly Hills flagship location; making it the first major retailer to introduce a whole section devoted to cannabis lifestyle and wellness. Dubbed “The High End,” the head […]
California’s Regulatory Problems Are Far From Temporary
California is experiencing some serious growing pains. Business owners and cannabis supporters are still battling against local jurisdictions to have them open their doors for cannabis regulations; some locals are suing the state for allowing delivery regardless of their current rules on cannabis; social equity programs are seriously struggling to get off the ground; elected […]
CBD – Somehow Everywhere, Even Walgreens
CBD, or cannabidiol, is somehow everywhere. You can now find it in patches and creams at Walgreens or CVS. You can get it in coffee and even doughnuts, at least in Portland, Oregon. So, that means CBD is completely legal, right, at least if it is derived from hemp, right? No, not exactly. As discussed […]
The Cannabis Advisory Committee: Going from Puppeteering to Action
California’s Cannabis Advisory Committee (CAC) was scheduled to meet on March 27 for its first meeting of 2019. But now that the regulations are finalized, what’s left for the CAC to do? Officially formed in October 2017 as a result of statutory mandate, the CAC is tasked with advising the three cannabis licensing authorities “on […]