Yo, my name is Dan and I’m here to talk about the legal cannabis industry in Colorado. Since Amendment 64 passed in 2012, legalizing recreational marijuana, there has been a rise in users and businesses in the industry. This means that there is a higher demand for lawyers who know their stuff when it comes to cannabis law. Even though using, selling, and growing marijuana is legal under Colorado state law, it’s still illegal at the federal level. Plus, the rules and regulations for businesses and individual users can vary depending on the county or city. That’s where a cannabis law attorney comes in handy. They can make sure that your business is following all the current regulations or help you out if you’re facing any charges.
So, what kind of services do these attorneys offer? Well, it depends on the firm you’re working with. Some attorneys specialize in criminal defense while others focus on business law. However, many Colorado cannabis law firms offer both types of services as well as other services not necessarily linked to cannabis.
If you’re starting a business, it’s always a good idea to seek legal counsel. This is especially true in Colorado’s still-new legal cannabis industry. A cannabis industry attorney can help you navigate the licensing process and ensure compliance with zoning, taxation, and environmental laws – at the state and local levels.
Since local ordinances and other regulations are always subject to change, it’s smart to schedule regular legal check-ups if you own a cannabis business. A high-quality Colorado marijuana attorney will be aware of changes that impact your business as soon as they’re proposed and can help you work around them.
However, growing or using marijuana (recreationally or medicinally) doesn’t mean that you’re immune to fines or jail time. There are still rules and restrictions that need to be followed. You could be charged with public consumption, driving under the influence, or growing too many plants. If something like this happens to you and your property gets seized wrongfully (other than marijuana plants or products), a good marijuana attorney can try to get it returned to you.
Some attorneys for cannabis law in Colorado also offer expungement services. After a certain waiting period (determined by the severity of the charge), you can apply to have cannabis-related charges sealed so they no longer show up on your record. This can make a positive difference when applying for jobs or housing. However, if you get convicted of another crime in the future, any expunged charges will be unsealed.
So who should hire a cannabis lawyer in Colorado? Well, anyone who wants to make sure they’re following all the rules and regulations should consider working with one. But here are some people who may benefit from their services the most:
– Business owners and their landlords – If you operate a business in the legal cannabis field (including but not limited to retail, distribution, cultivation, manufacture, and testing), hiring an experienced lawyer is a must.
– Persons charged with cannabis-related crimes – If you’re facing criminal charges related to marijuana use or possession, a good criminal defense lawyer can help you avoid serious penalties.
– Medical marijuana patients and their caregivers – If you or someone in your care is approved to use medical marijuana, it’s advisable to consult with a lawyer who knows all the strict guidelines.
When looking for a cannabis lawyer in Colorado, it’s important to find someone who specializes in your specific case. Always bring your most important questions and concerns to your initial consultation before making any decisions.
Now let’s talk about some common charges that people might hire a cannabis lawyer for in Colorado:
– Driving under the influence/driving while impaired
– Traveling in a vehicle with an open container
– Unlicensed sale, distribution, or delivery of marijuana
– Openly carrying or using any form of marijuana on federal land or in any public place
– Possession of over 1 ounce of flower, hash, or concentrate
– Providing marijuana to minors
– Skiing under the influence
– Transporting marijuana over state lines (even in or out of states where cannabis is legal)
– Cultivation of a personal crop larger than 6 plants (or more than 12 plants in one household)
Okay, so what should you look for in a cannabis lawyer? Well first off, make sure that you feel comfortable communicating with them and trust them. Ask them important questions during your consultation before making any decisions. When it comes specifically to business law or criminal law:
– For business law – Look for an attorney who specializes in your field of business and has expertise from the state level down to individual city ordinances.
– For criminal law – Find lawyers with law enforcement backgrounds who specialize in marijuana-related crimes.
And finally – do you need to hire an attorney from your own city? It really depends on your specific case. Some cities and counties have nuanced cannabis laws that vary from those in other parts of the state.
If you want some recommendations for the best cannabis-specific law firms in Colorado then check out Denver Cannabis Attorneys McAllister Garfield PC, Vicente Sederberg LLP, Geman Criminal Defense, Law Office of Lauren C Davis H Michael Steinberg and Buscher Law; or Law Offices of Clifton Black PC if you’re based in Colorado Springs.
In conclusion – whether you’re starting a business or are facing charges related to marijuana use/possession/growing/distribution/etc., hiring an experienced cannabis attorney can be extremely helpful. They’ll make sure that you’re following all the rules and regulations so that you don’t face any penalties or fines.