Cannabis Enforcement Actions Attorneys
The opportunities for cannabis business owners in the multi-billion-dollar cannabis industry in the U.S. are significant—but so are the risks.
Business owners who already hold a cannabis occupational license and entrepreneurs looking to enter the industry must be mindful of the tight regulations and the severe penalties that apply for noncompliance.
As the number of businesses around the country increases, so does the number of enforcement actions. Federal and state agencies frequently conduct investigations and take action against business owners who do not observe the rules.
If you find yourself in this difficult position, do not be tempted to make the situation worse. Take legal advice from experienced cannabis business attorneys who understand the enforcement process and can mitigate the consequences for your business.
At Cannabis Law Solutions, our cannabis business attorneys will help you protect your business from legal and disciplinary action taken by state licensing authorities and other state enforcement agencies.
State and federal enforcement
Rapid market expansion in the cannabis industry coupled with still-developing policies at the state and federal level and unparalleled consumer demand all add up to considerable challenges and opportunities for business owners in the sector.
The authorities are keen to keep a tight handle on the cannabis industry and have introduced stringent measures to enforce the regulations in most states where cannabis has been legalized.
Our cannabis business attorneys help protect your business from the harsh consequences of state and federal enforcement. Experienced regulatory and business attorneys can advise investors, owners and operators on how to tackle investigations and complaints made against the business.
The government can call upon a large team of enforcement and regulatory attorneys. It is only right that if you are accused of violating regulations that you are given a fair chance to respond.
Whether you face a licensing violation or something more serious, our experienced team can provide legal guidance to prevent the most serious consequences for you and your business.
Action against unlicensed cannabis industry operators
With the industry so heavily regulated, most state agencies are quick to take action against any unlicensed operators attempting to reap profits from the cannabis industry.
Black and “gray” cannabis operators still exist in most states. In fact, some estimates say that for every licensed business there is an unlicensed one.
Most of the relevant state and local agencies are endeavoring to ensure that fully authorized and licensed operators are not working at a disadvantage because of unlicensed operators.
Typical enforcement actions against illegal cannabis enterprises include filing criminal misdemeanor charges against any operators and shutting down all illegal businesses from growers to extraction labs and delivery companies.
Some unlicensed operators have been subject to considerable fines and jail time and we should expect this trend to continue as more crackdowns against illegal operators are conducted across the U.S.
Action against licensed cannabis industry operators
Potential enforcement actions against licensed cannabis industry operators are many and varied. They could include any of the following:
- Failure to comply with any rule or regulation under state law
- Conduct constituting grounds for denial of a license
- Intentional violations of worker protection laws
- Failure to comply with local ordinance regulating commercial cannabis
- Sales to underage people
- Intentional sales of medical cannabis to people without the necessary doctor’s recommendation
- Failure to maintain safe conditions for inspection by the licensing authority
- Failure to comply with any operating procedure submitted to licensing authority
- Failure to comply with license conditions
Regulatory compliance and enforcement services
Prevention is better than a cure for cannabis industry businesses.
If you can develop an effective compliance program, you will minimize the risk of potentially harmful federal and state enforcement actions that impact your business.
We provide consultation and advice in the following areas to help you protect your cannabis-related business from the day that you commence operations:
- Developing and implementing an effective compliance program
- Handling day-to-day compliance issues
- Implementing transaction structures in compliance with applicable state and local regulations
- Analyzing current or proposed business relationships for compliance
- Addressing self-identified compliance violations
Additionally, we can represent you in regulatory enforcement actions that go to hearings. We will provide advice if you need to complete surveys, undergo inspections or face penalties.
Get help with defending against cannabis enforcement actions
Whether you are growing, manufacturing, retailing, or otherwise part of the burgeoning cannabis industry, enforcement actions against your business can be costly.
Our cannabis business attorneys can help you tackle the process and defend your business from potentially harsh penalties.
For informed legal advice, call 866-329-0729 for a consultation with a knowledgeable cannabis attorney at Cannabis Law Solutions.
How will our cannabis and psychedelic business services help you
Cannabis & psychedelics business entity formation
Whether you are looking to form a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation, our experienced business lawyers can discuss the pros and cons of both and help you incorporate your business with the optimal structure to achieve your goals.
Cannabis & psychedelics business licenses
If you want to run a cannabis or psychedelics business, you will need a valid business license issued by your state authority as well as local permits. Eligibility criteria are likely to be stringent and we can help you navigate the often-complex license application process.
Cannabis & psychedelics corporate documentation
Whether you need to prepare for a license application, transfer of business ownership, change of corporate structure, transfer business location or another business process, we can help you identify and draft the documentation you need to operate legally in your state.
Cannabis & psychedelics administrative law
State authorities watch licensed and unlicensed cannabis and psychedelics businesses closely. If you violate regulations, you could face an administrative penalty. Our attorneys can provide representation or help you prepare for an administrative hearing, settlement conference or appeal.
Cannabis & psychedelics disputes and litigation
Whether you have a dispute with another business, a legal issue with one of your partners or a licensing or administrative issue, you may need legal assistance to help resolve it. We are adept at alternative dispute resolution methods as well as civil litigation.
Cannabis & psychedelics regulatory compliance
As the cannabis and psychedelics industries emerge in states around the U.S., they are more heavily regulated than most other industries. We can help your business navigate the red tape and plan to stay on the right side of the regulatory authorities in whichever state you are based.
