If you’re thinking of “going green” by establishing a cannabis dispensary or another related business, it’s important to look for a lawyer with extensive knowledge on the cannabis laws within your state as they often rapidly change.
With the use of cannabis inching to legality on a federal level, the industry is growing at a tremendous rate. In fact, over half of the United States have legalized cannabis in some form, and while it is mostly for medical use, there are some that are opening up to the benefits of recreational use as well.
With that said, it is not a smooth and easy landscape to navigate as there are plenty of confusing laws, regulations, and other roadblocks that make the journey quite rocky in its infantile stages. In that regard, here are some tips to help you find the best lawyer to help you solidify your business and ensure that it’s on a strong legal base:
1. Choose a lawyer with diverse legal experience on cannabis
When in need of legal advice, it’s best to invest in small law firms who have a robust team with diverse knowledge.
This is because your attorneys will be one of your primary sources of information as you start and grow your cannabis business. You need a one-stop shop of lawyers on your team to give you sufficient coverage for your business to stay on track.
In that regard, someone who will represent your business needs to know the following:
- Cannabis law
- State licensing
- Government relations
- Contract law
- Local zoning issues
- Intellectual property law
- Corporate law
- Real estate law
- Compliance law
- Insurance
- Administrative law
- Litigation
- Employment law
2. Choose an Attorney Experienced Working with Administrative Agencies
Considering the fact that the cannabis industry has more regulations than most industries, you will need a lawyer who has a strong understanding of how to sail across the business formation stages for small and large operations.
This will ensure that your attorney can take care of business needs while handling compliance with local, state, federal, and other cannabis specific standards.
In Washington state, you will need to work closely with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) through all stages of your business’ life. You need an attorney who can communicate your needs to the WSLCB and be a strong advocate for you and your business.
3. Choose a Cannabis Lawyer Who is Always Up to Date
Cannabis regulations are in constant flux, as the industry and regulatory framework continues to evolve.
That’s why you need a lawyer who can put their finger on the pulse and stay on top of these policy updates to ensure your business is compliant with industry regulations at local, state, and federal levels.
4. Cannabis Lawyers will Help Limit the Risks Your Business Faces
The use of cannabis remains illegal under federal law, and legalized medical or recreational marijuana are no exception to the rule.
That isn’t to say that businesses or individuals working within the state laws are at risk of arrest. However, missteps can easily lead to a sticky scenario, which is why a lawyer who is on top of cannabis laws is important in any green business.
If you’re looking for a cannabis lawyer, get in touch with Halverson Law today for a free consultation. Halverson Law has significant experience focusing on marijuana law and business law.
Halverson Law provides sophisticated and results driven legal work to both businesses and individuals. Their legal team has the tools and experience to capture the fine points of your business deal, protect your interests in a merger or purchase of assets, or aggressively litigate when it comes time to draw a firm line in the sand.