METRC: The Transition to CCTT
As you may know, California has contracted with Metrc (Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting Compliance) as the state’s track-and-trace system for purposes of tracking commercial cannabis activity from “seed-to-sale”. Since contracting with Metrc in 2017, the State and its operators have been struggling to understand and comply with Metrc regulations. In reality, the slow rollout of […]
Navigating the BCC’s “Change of Ownership” Rules
In The Art of Selling a Cannabis Business, we covered how to address some of the hurdles involved in selling a cannabis business. Arguably the single most important hurdle is complying with “change of ownership” rules. Indeed, navigating the convoluted “change of ownership” rules under the Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) can make or break a deal. […]
Another Era of Licensing – CBD and Hemp Applications are Now Available
The U.S. imports about $800 million worth of hemp to be used for its fiber, seed, and oil. Other countries are already using industrial hemp to make a variety of products, including insulation, energy-efficient construction materials, durable fabrics, plaster, plastic, and flooring. Among the biggest foreign growers are Canada and China. With California eager to be […]
Trailer Bill Tackles Illicit Market, Boosts Organic and Equity Programs
Trailer bills, or legislation that helps implement the budget, are yet another vehicle for shaping the rules governing California’s evolving cannabis industry. AB 97, this year’s cannabis trailer bill, was approved by the Governor on July 1, fast-tracking a slew of policy changes and programs for cannabis businesses. New qualifications for provisional licenses will arguably have the greatest reach, […]
Provisional Licensing Changes: Reduced Barriers or New Challenges?
California recently passed a $215 billion budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year. Not only did this afford the Legislature the opportunity to move around monies to fund and support various projects, but it also gave them a chance to tweak existing laws that are meant to implement the budget, including the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]