Best Santa Monica Cannabis Law Attorneys

Cannabis businesses can be profitable ventures, but marijuana is a heavily regulated industry. Each state has its own laws for operating a cannabis business and many local jurisdictions have their own strict restrictions and regulations. Furthermore, cannabis law is still developing, and it can be difficult for a new business owner to navigate the cannabis laws as they continue to change.

Cannabis business law is an emerging legal practice area. Cannabis business law can involve:

• Business formation
• Regulatory compliance
• Branding and marketing
• Trademark law
• Zoning and land use
• Real estate
• Litigation

Without proper guidance in running a cannabis business, a business owner could face legal liability, fines, or have their business assets seized by the state. With so much money invested in a cannabis business, it is important to find a cannabis lawyer in the Santa Monica, California area who can help protect your investment.

Having the right marijuana business law firm from the start makes a difference. Lawyers and law offices listed in FindLaw directories, understand the compliance and regulation issues your business will face and the nuanced rules surrounding state cannabis laws.

Your marijuana lawyer can help you create a product, start a dispensary, adjust business plans in progress, or take your established business and team to the next level. Use the FindLaw directory to find a cannabis law attorney experienced in marijuana laws to provide up-to-date legal advice.

Cannabis is still considered an illegal narcotic under federal law. The possession of marijuana, marijuana use, cultivation, and transportation of cannabis across state lines are federal offenses. As long as marijuana is considered illegal under federal law, businesses are highly restricted in any interstate commerce. This includes more than just physically crossing state lines. Federal regulations may impact how an in-state operation can conduct:

• Marketing
• Online shopping
• Distribution
• Credit card processing
• Use of financial institutions

Failing to comply with complex state and federal marijuana laws can expose a business owner to the risk of criminal charges.

If you are looking to start a cannabis business in Santa Monica, California, a cannabis lawyer can be essential to making sure you comply with the complex marijuana laws. Cannabis laws continue to evolve and finding a cannabis lawyer with experience navigating state and local regulations can help you avoid any unnecessary pitfalls or legal setbacks.

The cannabis industry has to deal with multiple state and local laws involving land use, taxation, and licensing. A cannabis attorney understands how to anticipate foreseeable issues and can address them before they become a problem. Use FindLaw to find a cannabis attorney who will help you get your new business off the ground.

Many people who need to find a lawyer in California have never hired a lawyer before. Talking to a lawyer may be a new experience and you might want some help getting started. Here are some questions you may want to ask a lawyer before deciding who to hire.

• What is your main practice area?
• How many years of experience do you have in California with cases like mine?
• How often do you take cases to trial or settle them out of court?
• Can I take my case through mediation or arbitration?
• Do you offer a free consultation?
• What are your fees and costs?
• Will you be the attorney primarily handling my case?
• How will I be kept up-to-date about my case?

In order to practice law in California, attorneys have to both pass the California bar exam and be admitted by the State Bar of California. Most attorneys in California graduate from an accredited law school but some lawyers are admitted through on-the-job experience for a minimum of 4 years and through passing an additional legal exam. After a lawyer is admitted to law practice in California, they can practice in almost any area of law.

Lawyers in California are held to strict ethical guidelines known as the Rules of Professional Conduct. Attorneys may have duties and limitations in:

• Attorney-client confidentiality
• Duty of client advocacy
• Conflicts of interest
• Duty of candor
• Limitations in soliciting clients
• Restrictions on handling a client's money

Many people avoid calling a lawyer because they are worried it will be too expensive. In many cases, a lawyer can end up saving the client money. This includes getting an increased award, recovering additional damages, avoiding financial problems in the future, and avoiding future disputes and litigation. Some legal areas even allow the lawyer to recover legal fees from the party at fault.