Legal Insights

Governor Proposes Bill to Remove Restrictions on Vertical Integration in the Medical Cannabis Industry

As part of the 2017-2018 budget process, the Governor has unveiled “budget trailer bill legislation”: the “Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act.” This legislation would merge the state’s regulatory scheme for medicinal and recreational cannabis. Most notably, it would remove restrictions on vertical integration in the medical cannabis industry. The “Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act” would Consolidate California’s Medical

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Joe Rogoway

2017 Guide to CA Cannabis Legislation: 5 More Cannabis-Related Bills

This is the fourth issue in our 2017 CA Cannabis Legislation Guide, an overview of California lawmaking during 2017. We will cover at least 46 pending items that may shape California cannabis legislation and how California regulates cannabis. Today, we will address AB 1143, AB 1527, AB 1627, SB 175, and SB 311, five of the twelve pending bills directed at cannabis licensing and regulation. California Cannabis Legislation:

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Rogoway Law Group

Cannabis Business NEW BUSINESS BAN – San Diego County | Rogoway Law

On March 14, 2017, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to ban all new cannabis businesses within county lines and set sunset dates for current operators. The ban applies to both medical and recreational cannabis businesses. Medical cannabis dispensaries already operating with county permits must close by 2022 while those currently in the permitting process must close

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2017 Guide to CA Cannabis Legislation: Two More Cannabis-Related Bills
Joe Rogoway

2017 Guide to CA Cannabis Legislation: Two More Cannabis-Related Bills

This is the third issue in our 2017 CA Cannabis Legislation Guide, an overview of California lawmaking during 2017. We will cover at least 46 pending items that may shape California cannabis legislation and how California regulates cannabis. Today, we will address AB 729, and AB 948: two of the twelve pending bills directed at cannabis licensing and regulation. California Cannabis Legislation: Overview of Legislative Calendar The

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Oregon Case Study: Might CA Benefit from Interim Cannabis Legislation?

Recreational cannabis legalization in California takes effect as early as January 1, 2018. Meanwhile, state and local governments are working to create a regulatory framework for this new market. What lessons might California learn from other states that have made a similar transition? OREGON’S EXPERIENCE: THE “EARLY START” PROGRAM One example is Oregon. Under its “Early Start” program, Oregon allowed existing

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Lake and Mendocino County Updates

Amid the developments in Sonoma County and the City of Los Angeles, two other Counties are close to entering the permitting phase. Mendocino County Mendocino County is set for a first reading of its cultivation ordinance on March 21 (barring any additional delays or lawsuits). The most recent draft language can be found here. In brief, this ordinance would allow

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Measure A Passed- Get Ready for Permitting

Sonoma County voters overwhelmingly approved Measure A, which authorizes up to a 10% tax on gross receipts for all segments of the commercial cannabis industry. While the actual imposed rate remains to be determined, the passage of this measure means the County no longer has any reason to delay issuing permits to operators. We have received confirmation that permits will

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LA’s Measure M – What’s Next

LA Voters Adopted Measure M What’s Next City Council will conduct public hearings about commercialization of cannabis and medical cannabis Existing dispensaries operating in compliance with City law will get “priority” in application process Unauthorized cannabis activity still faces criminal penalties, civil fines, and disconnection of water and power Taxes Start on 1/1/18: $100 for each $1,000 gross receipts of cannabis

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LA’s MEASURE M PASSED BIG!

Will Los Angeles Catch Up to San Francisco and Santa Rosa? San Francisco has regulations for medical cannabis businesses – we know how much it costs to apply for a dispensary permit ($8,459) and how many medical cannabis dispensaries are allowed to be open 24-hours per day (two, see subsection (e)). Santa Rosa is another city with developed regulations; it’s paved a path

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Congress on Cannabis: What Might 2017 Hold?

To date, two key factors guiding federal cannabis enforcement have been the Department of Justice’s “Cole Memo” (Cole memo) and the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment. While the appointment of Jeff Sessions to head the Department was not an encouraging sign, there is still federal interest in cannabis reform, especially among the group of lawmakers again proposing the “Respect State Marijuana Laws Act.” COLE MEMO The Cole

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