Though the risk of federal enforcement actions against state-legal cannabis businesses in California has declined in recent years, there has been an uptick in enforcement actions brought on by the state licensing authorities. Each of the primary cannabis licensing and regulatory authorities in California – the Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC); CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing (CDFA); and Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch (CDPH) – has ramped up enforcement against unlicensed cannabis operators as well as licensed but non-compliant cannabis businesses.
Unlicensed Cannabis Industry Operators
Under State Law, cannabis licensing authorities may fine unlicensed person(s) up to thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) per violation. It is important to note that, each day of the violation constitutes a separate violation.
Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) makes a person engaging in commercial cannabis activity without a license required by MAUCRSA subject to civil penalties up to 3 times the amount of the license fee for each violation.
Licensed Cannabis Industry Operators
Under State Law, cannabis licensing authorities may, as part of each citation, assess an administrative fine of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) per violation by a licensee. Each day of the deemed violation constitutes a separate violation per state law.
At Rogoway Law, we understand that enforcement actions can pose an existential threat to cannabis industry operators. Our Enforcement Action Defense Attorneys have garnered significant experience, which we bring to bear on behalf of our clients. Our attorneys have also been successful in proactively resolving our client’s problems before a matter has been formally charged or otherwise made public.