Avoiding Cannabis Crimes As An Entrepreneur

In 2016, California voters approved the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, which made it legal for adults over 21 to consume or possess up to 1 oz. of cannabis for their own personal use. Many entrepreneurs leapt at the chance to serve this new legal market, but in the rush to serve this burgeoning market, some business persons have made mistakes that have led to prosecution by state or local authorities.

At Yeretsian Law, our founding attorney, Lara Yeretsian, has many years of experience in defending criminal law clients in controversial or high-profile cases. She can provide a robust defense of your due process rights for cannabis-related infractions, while ensuring your privacy and your future as a business owner are protected.

An Overview Of Laws Regulating Sales Of Adult-Use Cannabis

After voter approval of the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, the California Legislature passed the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulatory Safety Act in 2017, which unified regulations related to medical marijuana dispensaries and outlets that sell cannabis to recreational customers. Many cities and towns across the state have also passed their own rules about the cultivation and sale of marijuana.

Common areas of regulation that can cause issues for new cannabis entrepreneurs include:

• Business licenses, which can include getting a license if you intend to operate a dispensary, a growing facility, a distribution outlet or a microbusiness.
• Local licensing requirements, which may differ from state regulations.
• Paying licensing and regulation fees, which are set by Bureau of Cannabis Control, the Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch or the CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing division of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
• Taxation: Recreational sales are subject to state and in some cases local business taxes.

Do Not Let A Cannabis Crime Derail Your Enterprise

With our firm’s criminal defense lawyer fighting for you, you can enjoy the rewards of a cannabis business opportunity safely and legally. Call our Glendale office at 818-741-1220 or email us to set up a free case consultation. We serve clients across the greater Los Angeles area and other areas in Southern California.

Our practice speaks Spanish, Arabic and Armenian.