Legally-Blunt is a Manzuri Law Publication that focuses on cutting-edge legal issues and is part of our educational mission.
Both consumers and members of industry have been eagerly waiting for the FDA to provide clarity as to the regulatory future of Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD. This overwhelming public interest has translated into substantial, bipartisan political pressure at the highest levels of government...
With multiple legislators contracting COVID-19, the Legislature recently confirmed that some voting will be done remotely in the next month. The new rule was crafted to make sure some legislation is passed before the constitutional deadline of August 31 for the 2019-20 two-year legislative session...
The global pandemic and resulting economic turmoil have caused many businesses in the cannabis industry to teeter on the edge of insolvency. Although Governor Newsom was quick to declare cannabis businesses as “essential,” many of these companies have suffered huge losses, defaulted on their loan obligations and leases, and lack the capital to pay for their local or annual licenses...
Last week DCR recommended the substantive changes to the ordinance which were accepted by City Council and the proposed ordinance (actual text to become law) was published Friday. City Council will be voting on this Tuesday June 30, 2020. A pathway for temporary approval has finally ...
On June 15, 2020, California legislators passed their version of the 2020 state budget. It differs from the Governor's May Revision, which assumes that multiple programs will be cut unless the federal government provides $14 billion in financial support. The Legislature's budget supports their “I...
In 2018, the FDA made waves when, for the first time, they issued a “Breakthrough Therapy” designation to fast track the development of a psilocybin-based therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Psilocybin and psilocin—the principle psychedelic compounds found in mushrooms—are both Schedule I...
Yesterday, our office sent a letter to the City of Los Angeles describing the further delay and undue harm invoiced Phase 3 Round 1 Applicants would suffer from if the DCR's Recommendations are adopted and implemented as suggested. We have recommended the following: The DCR Recommendatio...
Written by: Galen Pham, J.D. Candidate 2022 Using an unregistered broker-dealer to help raise money for your cannabis startup or to help find and facilitate a purchase or sale can have serious legal consequences for your business, including potentially providing the investor or buyer/seller th...
The highly anticipated results of the controversial Phase III, Round 1 Audit were released to the public and auditors reportedly found the process “fair and unbiased”. Thereafter, on or around March 27, 2020, the City Administrative Officer (“CAO”) recommended that the DCR be instructed to “co...
The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. In light of this sustained outbreak, federal, state, and local governments have placed numerous protocols in place to curtail the risks associated with the pandemic. Thankfully, Governor Newsom classified the cannabis...
While most of California is still sheltering in place, the state Assembly and Senate are set to go back to work on May 4 and 11, respectively, to hold committee hearings and try to pass the state budget by June 15. Surprising no one, the fiscal outlook for this year is not pretty. While Califor...
Written by Caroline Gill J.D. expected 2020 In a very interesting case, the Ninth Circuit is considering whether the criminal defendant in United States v. Campbell is exempt from federal prosecution due to compliance with Montana's medical marijuana laws. The case further considers a unique...
Co-Author: Shannon Heatley After Governor Gavin Newsom issued a Safer-At-Home order to protect the health and well-being of all Californians in the face of COVID-19, cannabis businesses were deemed an essential business in California and Los Angeles and were allowed to remain operational. The...
April is usually one of the busiest months for the Legislature, with lobbyists and advocates filling the halls of the Capitol to work with elected officials on pending legislation. But since mid-March, Sacramento has been eerily quiet as legislators try to help flatten the curve and prevent the s...
Independent contractors are a beneficial tool for companies, especially new or growing organizations that are not yet equipped to manage employees. However, recent rulings and the legislature have severely restricted the ability to properly classify workers as independent contractors in Californi...
March 5, 2020 To: City of Los Angeles Attn: Department of Cannabis Regulation, Executive Team & Licensing Team Attn: Cannabis Regulation Commission Attn: Honorable Members of the Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee Attn: City Attorney's Office Attn: Mayor Eric ...
Over 160 days have passed since Phase 3 Round 1, and the DCR has paused all processing of applications due to a pending audit and stakeholders are getting desperate. While they hang in limbo, DCR has provided an update of the status of all licensing matters. Read below for the full LA licensing u...
Written by By now, legislators have introduced most of the bills that they will try to pass through in 2020. The illicit market, lack of access, and financial concerns have come out as top concerns for the industry this year. While some legislators have started by pushing old bills forward, ot...
Written by and Shannon Heatley and Caroline Gill J.D. expected 2020 With the opening of Lowell Cafe (which has been recently redubbed the “Original Cannabis Cafe”), the first nationally-recognized cannabis consumption restaurant that opened in October 2019 in West Hollywood, Lowell's position...
In California, 2019 was an interesting year and 2020 will continue to challenge cannabis business operators almost to a breaking point, but the hardships suffered this year will pave the way for major regulatory reform and tax reform. Those that survive this year's struggles will reap the benef...
Governor Newsom and his Administration are starting out the new decade strong with a proposed budget that benefits from a generous surplus. The $222.2 billion budget plan includes new funding for many programs and restructuring of others, including the regulatory framework for the cannabis indu...
Co-Author On October 31, 2019 — yes, on Halloween and almost a year after the legalization of commercial hemp production — the USDA finally released its interim final rule (“IFR”) to establish the Domestic Hemp Production Program. As you may recall, on December 20, 2018, the Agricultural Im...
Written by: Jennifer Raphael Komsky, Esq The California Legislature and Governor Newsom were busy in 2019 passing many new laws directly affecting California employers and employees. Please remember, only summaries are provided herein and legal advice should be sought prior to enactment of any...
It has been two years since California began licensing yet operators still struggle with compliance and are all still de facto, breaking one law or another. To kick us off, hemp was legalized at the federal level, and we entered into unchartered territory, navigating uncertain waters of the newe...
In the countdown to the new year, it is important to evaluate your employment relationships and ensure compliance with the countless employment laws governing California businesses. Many of these laws are draconian in nature and non-compliance may lead to claims that are crippling to a company,...