Advancing Equitable Psychedelic Policy: Lessons from Cannabis Regulation
Like cannabis, psychedelic drugs have a long history of recreational, spiritual, and therapeutic use. Despite decades of federal prohibition of both cannabis and psychedelics, cannabis markets have now taken the United States by storm; Thirty-eight states have legalized cannabis for medical use, and twenty-three states have recreational adult-use programs. The psychedelics industry is now experiencing […]
The Psychedelic Renaissance: Legal Opportunities in the United States
A. The Psychedelic Renaissance For thousands of years, indigenous cultures across the globe have used naturally occurring psychedelic drugs for therapeutic and mystical purposes. In the 20th Century, extensive research showed natural and synthetic psychedelics to be a non-toxic and non-addictive potential breakthrough in the field of psychiatry. However, psychedelics were criminalized and socially stigmatized […]
The Biden Administration’s Review of the Classification of Cannabis
In October 2022, President Biden requested that the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiate an administrative review of cannabis’s classification under federal law. In June 2022, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said HHS and the DEA are aiming to complete a review of cannabis’s federal scheduling status by the end of “this year.” This […]
Maximizing Your Chances of Obtaining a California Cannabis Business Permit
Having procured and maintained over 300 commercial cannabis licenses, Manzuri Law is skilled at guiding clients through the ultra-competitive commercial cannabis business license application process. The choices you make when first starting your cannabis business are incredibly important. The cannabis industry is regulated by both state and local laws, and those laws are constantly changing. […]
What Can You Do With a Cannabis Distribution License in California
At Manzuri Law, our California cannabis attorneys have helped local businesses procure and maintain over 300 licenses over the past decade — including Type 11 licenses, also known as cannabis distribution licenses. According to the Department of Cannabis Control, cannabis distribution licenses (both Type 11 and Type 13) allow California business operators to transport cannabis […]
The Type 12 License Explained: What It Is and How It’s Used in the California Cannabis Industry
At Manzuri Law, our California cannabis attorneys have helped local businesses procure and maintain over 300 licenses over the past decade — including Type 12 licenses, also known as specialized microbusiness licenses or permits. Type 12 licenses allow a California cannabis business to engage in three out of the four major permit areas, including cultivating, […]
City of Los Angeles Implements Sweeping Changes to Cannabis Licensing in Unanimous Council Vote
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, […]