The cannabis industry has two parts to it: the business side of profitably creating cannabis products and the compliance side of selling medical marijuana or recreational marijuana products for adult use. Both sides need careful legal attention along the way.
Whether your dream is a cannabis startup, opening dispensaries throughout Colorado, creating a cannabis business plan, working with CBD products, or providing patients with medical cannabis, an attorney can help you avoid mistakes and prevent legal trouble by:
Following THC limits and strict product, packaging, and marketing regulations
Creating contracts with co-founders, venture capitalists, financial backers, and employees
Fixing compliance issues for recreational or medical marijuana dispensaries
Applying for a marijuana business license
Vetting cultivators, supply chains, distribution companies, and retail stores
Stay compliant with Colorado state law with the help of your attorney. Find the right attorney-client fit today in FindLaw's attorney directory.
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 Longmont, Colorado, 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.
Here are a few to get you started:
How long have you been in practice?
How many cases like mine have you handled?
How often do you settle cases out of court?
What are your fees and costs?
What are the next steps?
It is always a good idea to research your lawyer prior to hiring. Every state has a disciplinary organization that monitors attorneys, their licenses, and consumer complaints. By researching lawyer discipline you can:
Ensure the attorney is currently licensed to practice in your state
Gain an understanding of his or her historical disciplinary record, if any.
Determine the seriousness of complaints/issues which could range from late bar fees to more serious issues requiring disciplinary action.
