Moriconi Flowers Client Awarded Class 2 Production License in Georgia

Posted on August 26, 2021May 24, 2024 by Justin Moriconi

Moriconi Flowers Client Awarded Class 2 Production License in Georgia

On July 24, 2021, the state commission in charge of the medical marijuana program in Georgia issued two Class 1 and four Class 2 licenses, after evaluating sixty-nine competitive applicants.

Moriconi Flowers, a law firm with experienced cannabis business attorneys and a track record of success, is pleased to announce that their client, Natures GA, LLC, has been awarded (one of four) Class 2 Production Licenses by The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission (“GMCC”) which will enable Nature’s to cultivate, manufacture and sell medical marijuana oil in the state. Licensees are chosen through a competitive application process and Natures GA, LLC achieved licensure due to being one of the highest-scoring applications at the conclusion of the evaluation.

Georgia’s Hope Act — HB 324, signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp on April 17, 2019, established the framework for the state’s cannabis cultivation, dispensing, and production with oversight from the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission. Among the commission’s authority are the following:

Issuing licenses of up to two Class 1 Production, which permits up to 100,000 sq ft of space for indoor cultivation and the production of low-THC oil.
Issuing licenses of up to four Class 2 Production, which permits up to 50,000 sq ft of space for indoor cultivation and the production of low-THC oil.

According to Moriconi Flower LTD’s co-founder Ted Flowers, “Working on a competitive application project is an exhaustive process, and while submitting a work product you are proud of provides a level of satisfaction, writing a winning application is simply awesome!”

Moriconi Flowers is looking forward to continuing this historic journey in Georgia.

Are you looking for cannabis license updates on Georgia and other state opportunities? Subscribe below to our newsletter to get the latest information and valuable insights on cannabis business opportunities.

Authors

JUSTIN MORICONI

Building on almost 20 years in litigation, Justin’s practice specializes in regulated cannabis organizations consulting, formation, permitting, investment, expansion, and related ancillary legal services. Focusing on Cannabis law since 2016, Moriconi Flowers has successfully permitted applicants multi-state and on the Federal level. He is also co-owner of the first cannabis dispensary in Pennsylvania. Justin continues to return results in the face of adversity and against large firms for clients in all aspects of business and litigation. Justin and co-founder of Moriconi Flowers, Ted Flowers, regularly lecture on various topics on a local and national level in the commercial cannabis, security, insurance, and litigation space.

TED FLOWERS

A 1997 graduate of Temple Law School, Ted’s experience in liquor licensing matters, representing hotels, bars, restaurants, distillers, and distributors through all stages of the licensing and regulatory process, made a natural transition to cannabis law practice in 2016. Focusing on Cannabis law since 2016, Moriconi Flowers has successfully permitted applicants multi-state and on the Federal level. He is also co-owner of the first cannabis dispensary in Pennsylvania. Ted and co-founder of Moriconi Flowers, Justin Moriconi, regularly lecture on various topics on a local and national level in the commercial cannabis, security, insurance, and litigation space.

PHONE: (215) 277-1410

LOCATION

HISTORIC CHESTNUT HILL

40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 104

Philadelphia, PA 19118

© 2023 MORICONI FLOWERS, LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.PRIVACY POLICY

How to Get Your New Jersey Cannabis License

Posted on August 26, 2021May 24, 2024 by Justin Moriconi

How to Get Your New Jersey Cannabis License

The legalization of cannabis in New Jersey has come a long way since the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act was signed into law by outgoing Governor Jon Corzine in 2010. This law allowed the use of medicinal marijuana for the treatment of a host of conditions, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, and any terminal illness where the doctor has determined that the patient will die within a year.

In 2016, the list of qualifying conditions was expanded to include PTSD, and in the subsequent year, chronic pain, migraine, autism-related anxiety, and Alzheimer’s disease-related anxiety among other conditions were added to the list. And just two years later, in 2019, the Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act was amended creating a Cannabis Regulatory Commission, easing the requirements for both patients and their caregivers, which made medical marijuana more accessible to patients who needed it.

On February 22nd, 2021, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law the “The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act” which legalizes the possession and use of cannabis for people aged 21 and older. For cannabis entrepreneurs, the adult-use program will also allow the cultivation, processing, and retail sale of recreational cannabis.

New Jersey’s cannabis regulators voted unanimously to approve the 160-page Personal Use Cannabis Rules on August 19, 2021, paving the way for the beginning of adult use cannabis sales in the state. To view the first set of regulations for the recreational marijuana market, click here. According to commission executive director Jeff Brown, the next step will be a notice for the application acceptance period.

New Jersey Medical Marijuana Business Licenses

The February 2021 law “The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act” has no effect on the current scheme for medical marijuana licenses. Furthermore, no new ATC (alternative treatment center) licenses shall be granted moving forward. However, it remains possible for existing ATCs to apply for endorsements that will allow them to function additionally either as a cultivator, manufacturer, retail, or all of three with a Vertically Integrated Permit.

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission has set a fee schedule effective August 19, 2021. Click here to view application, certification, licensing and other fees.

Recreational Cannabis Business License

Apart from decriminalizing the possession and usage of cannabis in the state, the recreational cannabis law in NJ is also aimed at reviving the economic impact zones by setting the grounds by which cannabis businesses can thrive. These zones are at an economic disadvantage and have been heavily affected by marijuana arrests in the past.

How many licenses will be available?

To date, the maximum number of licenses to be granted for recreational marijuana businesses in New Jersey (except for the Cultivation Licenses) is yet to be determined. The Cannabis Regulatory Commission is tasked with establishing the rules of the program, including how many licenses shall be handed out in each class. One of the factors that will decide this number is the market demand by June 2021.

So far, only one decision has been made certain: only 37 Cultivation Licenses will be awarded in the first 24 months. This number includes any ATCs with existing cultivation endorsements. Furthermore, the CRC has a list of preferences as to who will be awarded the licenses:

30% of all the license allotments are set to go to minority, women, and disabled-veteran owned applicants;
10% of the license allotment for each class will be dedicated to micro businesses wholly-owned by New Jersey residents;
Applicants who intend to operate in an economic impact zone or/and plan to hire employees from these economic impact zones

How much will it cost?

If you are planning to start a cannabis business in New Jersey, expect to spend several hundred thousand to a few million dollars unless you are a microbusiness. In addition to the application and licensing fees, legal fees and various professional fees, a big part of your investment will go to securing real estate (either by purchasing or leasing), retrofitting the property, and paying for the services that will help you obtain approvals. Consultation fees will also be a considerable cost because aspiring NJ cannabis businesses must have solid systems and impact plans in place to even have a shot at acquiring a license.

According to the Cannabis Regulatory Commission’s Personal Use Cannabis Rules, initial application fees are intentionally set low in order to reduce barriers to entry, with fees as low as $100. Only 20% of the application fee will be paid by applicants initially and the remaining 80% will be paid when the license is approved. Overall, the range of the application fees will be $500 – $2,000.

Current ATCs are allowed to sell recreational cannabis as long as they certify they have adequate supply for their medical patients. Conversion fee will be $300,000 – $1,000,000 depending on the size.

When will sales start?

The date for when recreational sales can start has not been set yet. According to chairperson Dianna Houenou, the date is “admittedly uncertain.” She previously said that New Jerseyans probably won’t be able to buy cannabis from a dispensary until 2022.

Types of Recreational Marijuana Licenses in NJ

Although it’s not clear how many licenses will be granted in NJ under the new law, it has already been determined that there will be six classes of licenses that future cannabis businesses can apply to acquire: Cannabis Grower license, Cannabis Processor license, Cannabis Wholesaler license, Cannabis Distributor license, Cannabis Retailer license, and Cannabis Delivery license.

General New Jersey Cannabis License Requirements

There are certain general licensing requirements that apply to all license classes, the key requirements include:

Shall have at least one significantly involved person who has resided in the state for 2 years prior to the application.
Those with decision-making authority must be over 21 years of age.
Must provide criminal background check for according to the law: “any owner, other than an owner who holds less than a five percent investment interest in the cannabis processor or who is a member of a group that holds less than a 20 percent investment interest in the cannabis processor and no member of that group holds more than a five percent interest in the total group investment, and who lacks the authority to make controlling decisions regarding the cannabis processor’s operations; any director; any officer; and any employee.”

Class 1 Cannabis Grower License

The Cannabis Grower license shall be granted to a person or entity that will grow or cultivate cannabis to be sold to other cultivators, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, but not to direct customers. Holders of this license are also permitted to transport their product to qualified recipients. For the first 24 months, only 37 cannabis grower licenses will be given by the state, including ATCs with a cultivator endorsement.

Class 2 Cannabis Processor License

A cannabis processor is a person or entity that will process or manufacture cannabis and sell the resulting product to other manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, but not directly to consumers.

A licensed cannabis processor is permitted to purchase cannabis from a licensed grower or another licensed processor or manufacturer. They are also allowed to transport their product to intended legal recipients.

Class 3 Cannabis Wholesaler License

A licensed wholesaler of cannabis is permitted to acquire and store cannabis and cannabis products intended to be resold later to cannabis retailers but not to direct consumers. Holders of this license are also allowed to transport their products to the retailers. The Class 3 Cannabis Wholesaler license will be issued for the warehouse where the cannabis products will be stored.

Class 4 Cannabis Distributor License

The Class 4 license is intended for persons or entities that will transport cannabis or cannabis products in bulk from one licensed cannabis establishment to another within the state. Holders of the Class 4 Cannabis Distributor License are also permitted to store the cannabis or cannabis products temporarily if it is necessary for fulfilling their duties in transporting the goods.

Class 5 Cannabis Retailer License

Intended for businesses that will sell cannabis, cannabis products, or paraphernalia at a specified location. Holders of the Class 5 Cannabis Retailer license are permitted to purchase from a licensed manufacturer or wholesaler and sell to direct consumers on site. In addition, they are also granted the privilege to pursue the services of a certified cannabis handler who will fulfill the orders off-site and licensed cannabis delivery services to deliver the cannabis products from the retailer to the consumer, or from the cannabis handler the retailer is working with to the consumer.

Class 6 Cannabis Delivery License

The Class 6 Cannabis Delivery license shall be granted to businesses that will act as a courier for a licensed cannabis retailer. A business with this type of cannabis license is also permitted to accept direct orders from consumers that will be fulfilled by a cannabis retailer. A licensed cannabis delivery service may also pick up the product from the certified cannabis handler a retailer is working with to be delivered to a consumer.

As New Jersey cannabis legalization moves forward in the state of New Jersey and the Cannabis Regulatory Commission forms their rules, guidelines, and establishes dates, we will keep you updated and provide our professional legal insight. If you are a strategic investor and would like to learn more about the New Jersey market and how it relates to you click here. To be kept up to date, subscribe to our newsletter below.

Authors

JUSTIN MORICONI

TED FLOWERS

PHONE: (215) 277-1410

LOCATION

HISTORIC CHESTNUT HILL

40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 104

Philadelphia, PA 19118

© 2023 MORICONI FLOWERS, LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.PRIVACY POLICY

Top 8 Cannabis Dispensary Designers You Need to Know

Posted on May 9, 2021May 24, 2024 by Justin Moriconi

Top 8 Cannabis Dispensary Designers You Need to Know

Start your cannabis business with a highly efficient and profit-grabbing dispensary design and layout plans from these expert dispensary designers.

Cannabis is a hot topic, even for those who don’t use it. From what was once tagged as a “black market,” both the cannabis industry and cannabis dispensary design have turned out as a wildly competitive marketplace.

As legalization movements expand into several states allowing the sale of medical and recreational cannabis, cannabis has become more accessible for people to drive over and make their purchases. With the cannabis industry’s huge consumer market and its market value which is expected to triple to over $30 billion by 2025, cannabis dispensaries have opened up a new opportunity that entrepreneurs are starting to take advantage of.

No wonder, cannabis is turning to be the “gold rush” in today’s marketplace, and dispensary design standards are also growing in popularity.

If you’ve planned to open a cannabis dispensary, take note that it is not for the faint of heart, nor is it an easy feat. It requires a lot of hard work, time, and effort, not to mention the huge amount of starter capital. But if you’re an entrepreneur who isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and face complex challenges, starting a cannabis dispensary – especially in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and other states which just legalized cannabis – is a great opportunity.

Operating a cannabis dispensary is where one can pioneer in what is soon to be a massive, multibillion-dollar business that’s poised to grow into a profitable, ever-evolving industry.

Cannabis Dispensary Design Matters

Cannabis dispensaries are safe, regulated establishments that require strict compliance with laws and regulations.

When considering how to start a cannabis dispensary, one question that most ask is, “What dispensary design layout plan should I consider?”

As a dispensary business owner, you want customers to have a pleasant experience and make your customers feel at home. Whether they need to buy something specific or looking around, encourage them to browse and make a purchase.

It’s important to create a positive dispensary experience for cannabis customers, get creative with your store’s vibe, and be strategic about merchandising your cannabis.

With a well-designed workflow, you can guide customers as they move through your store and provide them with a wonderful and authentic experience.

Three of the most critical factors to consider when starting a dispensary for the first time includes:

What cannabis layout plan inspires the most purchases?
How to design a dispensary that appeals to your customers?
How to create a wonderful cannabis dispensary experience?

With a premier retail cannabis dispensary, you can elevate society’s perceptions of cannabis and its users, while protecting your investment at the same time.

Don’t worry since you don’t need to start your design from scratch. You just have to tap into the experience of cannabis business designers and architects for interior design considerations and standards.

Architects and cannabis interior designers are already taking the look of dispensaries to a new level. They assist people in starting a cannabis dispensary and established brands to create the best look and feel for their cannabis dispensary.

Our Top 8 Dispensary Designers

Here are the best dispensary designers who have already provided unparalleled expertise in the cannabis industry. Each of their dispensary layout plans and dispensary interior design showcases the impact of a well-designed interior and its impact on their client’s businesses and customers.

1. MJ12 Design Studio

MJ12 Design Studio helps clients turn their visions into reality. Their services go beyond that of a typical architectural firm. They offer turnkey solutions such as full licensing application assistance, construction support from concept to project completion, project cost estimating, and property condition assessments.

With their deep understanding of the cannabis industry, cultivation methodologies, processing, extraction, infusion, and support amenities, ensure that dispensary facilities get to maximize their operations.

One thing that makes their approach different is their MAST approach to design which is realized through rigorous Method (M), authenticity (A), Sustainability (S), and Technology (T).

2. CLC Design Studio

For new and experienced businesses who need help in the cannabis industry, count on women-owned interior design firm CLC Design Studio’s assistance and expertise. What we really like about CLC Design Studio is their holistic approach, working with you on the details far before design plans are drafted up. They provide building and zoning code analysis, site location assistance, budget and schedule development, and interior design services for their clients.

CLC Design Studio’s founder, Christina, is an excellent strategic partner with years of experience navigating the ins and outs of opening a dispensary. Her entire team has provided design assistance and consultation to projects in the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Missouri.

3. High Road Design Studio

Dozens of legal recreational and medical cannabis dispensary markets in the US have counted on High Road Design Studio’s exceptional interior design and branding solutions. Their unparalleled retail designs ushered the cannabis industry onto Main Street and into the mainstream.

Entrepreneurs starting a dispensary in New Jersey and other states can count on their expertise in dispensary space planning, dispensary interior design, and dispensary branding solutions.

4. Harka Architecture

Taking great pride in the energy concern and carbon footprint of marijuana grow operations, Harka Architecture offers innovative design, healthy, and attractive design that inspires a better world and thoughtful lifestyle. Through their commitment to creating inspiring spaces with the lowest carbon footprint possible, they get to empower environmentally responsible and toxin-free lifestyles.

One can count on Harka Architecture’s experience throughout the project dispensary design and permitting processes. They are also available to help business owners who need assistance in legalizing their existing cannabis projects.

5. MerJ Architecture

MerJ Architecture designs custom-tailored spaces that focus on customer experience, security, flow, and efficiency. The company, composed of a team of architects, designers, and experts, is exclusively dedicated to the cannabis industry.

Their expertise in the rapidly-changing world of cannabis regulations and the technology of high-performance cultivation, extraction, processing, and testing laboratories are vital factors in the success of a cannabis dispensary business.

6. The McBride Company

Setting to innovate the Cannabis Retail Industry, The McBride Company believes that what makes a Cannabis Brand successful is more than just good interior design. They’ve assisted early innovators in creating a uniquely branded cannabis retail experience.

The company specializes in strategic planning, comprehensive interior and architectural design, and development coordination for innovative projects. They’ve designed several dispensaries, consumption lounges, and a thematic Cannabis experience. One of their most notable projects was Pineapple Express, regarded as the best-designed dispensaries in the US.

7. Sun Grown Studio

Grow your cannabis and hemp dream business with elevated interior design with the help of Sun Grown Studio. Your stunning cannabis dispensary is made possible through renderings, virtual consultations, and custom-designed plans.

With their expertise in medical and recreational cannabis retail, you can ensure that your space reflects your mission, brand, and unique style. They help create a luxurious and functional layout, healing and fun environments, that flourishes beyond the common dispensary model. The company works in all states where cannabis is legal.

8. SevenPoint Interiors

SevenPoint Interiors bring premium retail design and manufacturing to the cannabis industry. Their team of experienced cannabis dispensary interior design professionals will bring your concept to life and capture your brand personality. Their completed projects and concept designs showcase their expertise in retail planning, furniture, and cannabis display design while keeping their client’s budget in mind. If you need a turnkey solution,

Let SevenPoint Interiors’s complete package of services from concept to installation work for you.

Starting a Marijuana Dispensary in 2021

The cannabis industry is on a roll and is poised to expand into several new markets. We can also expect more awe-inspiring dispensary designs to emerge as cannabis dispensary design continues to expand and innovate.

The future of what a cannabis dispensary can be is for you to create. As cannabis entrepreneurs open their doors, you can’t afford to waste precious time, money, and resources on a poor dispensary layout. Your store’s layout has to be right for your customers and also the functionality of your business operation.

With an effective dispensary layout, you have a better chance of running a successful, lucrative dispensary.

As customer experience plays a huge factor in how a dispensary layout looks, it’s also interesting to see how entrepreneurs will continue to take matters to greater heights considering buyer’s preferences, cultural adaptations, and the pandemic in its entity.

Working with cannabis-specific dispensary and interior designers saves you more time and money. With their distinct market focus, from concept through construction and operation, you can capitalize on the benefits of design, branding, and more. Their expertly tailored approach, breathtaking design concepts, and innovative retail strategies will provide you benefits to your return on investment year after year.

And as you start to open your cannabis dispensary, ensure that you are operating safely and legally.

For assistance and solutions, our team of experienced Cannabis Attorneys at Moriconi Flowers will assist you at all stages of your cannabis business journey.

Authors

JUSTIN MORICONI

TED FLOWERS

PHONE: (215) 277-1410

LOCATION

HISTORIC CHESTNUT HILL

40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 104

Philadelphia, PA 19118

© 2023 MORICONI FLOWERS, LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.PRIVACY POLICY

The 2021 Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Cannabis Attorney

Posted on May 9, 2021May 24, 2024 by Justin Moriconi

The 2021 Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Cannabis Attorney

Overview

New Jersey, Virginia, and New York are the most recent examples of how the movement to fully legalize cannabis in the United States is gaining steam. And along with this push, a critical service is growing rapidly as well: the cannabis attorney.

Are you thinking about starting a cannabis business? It is in your best interest to interact with a cannabis attorney from the very moment you begin learning how to start a cannabis business, to your eventual expansion or sale. There are important stages at which a Cannabis lawyer is a must to engage with, including some situations you might not even have anticipated.

This comprehensive, yet easy-to-digest guide is dedicated to providing you with all the information you need about marijuana lawyers. By the end of it, you’ll understand…

What a cannabis attorney does;
When and why to contact them;
How much a cannabis attorney costs;
Where to find a cannabis attorney;
How to choose the right cannabis attorney for you;
And other relevant, miscellaneous information.

Common Questions About Cannabis Attorneys

Let’s start by getting some of the miscellaneous questions involving cannabis lawyers out of the way.

What are the legal risks involved in starting a cannabis business?

The legal risks involved in starting a cannabis business are so deep, complicated, and far-reaching that it would take another guide to fully explain them all. There is a very high chance of penalties, a total loss of your investment, and even criminal prosecution if you fail to follow state regulations. It is for this same reason that a newcomer, especially one with no legal background or familiarity with state laws involving marijuana, will undoubtedly have a difficult time getting started and becoming successful in this industry without the assistance of a cannabis lawyer.

Do I need to hire a cannabis lawyer in my state?

Since your cannabis lawyer will have to keep track of case law and changes in policy specific to your state, it makes absolute sense that your cannabis lawyer should be someone who fully understands the laws and regulations in your state.

What are criminal defense cannabis attorneys?

When it comes to the topic of cannabis attorneys the most common reference is for a cannabis attorney for a cannabis business. However there are attorneys that focus on the criminal defense of those related to cannabis. Not to be confused with Cannabis Business Attorneys, criminal defense cannabis lawyers will defend people against cannabis-related charges. Typically, they specialize in keeping their clients out of prison by homing in on the constitutional issues involving how authorities obtained evidence against them. For instance, seizing evidence while the accused is being held or while conducting a search teeters on the unconstitutional, and can render the evidence inadmissible in court.

How does one become a cannabis lawyer?

This question frequently comes up and since this is the ultimate guide to cannabis attorneys we figured we’d address it. Just like any other profession, a cannabis lawyer needs to have a license to practice. In order to do that, one must first complete their undergraduate studies at an accredited university, secure a law degree from a reputable institution, and pass the bar exam within the state they intend to practice law or operate a law firm. To specialize in the cannabis industry, the lawyer must devote time towards understanding the laws and regulations tied to it. The important takeaway for all who are investigating whether to start speaking with a cannabis attorney is that while all legal cannabis services provided require these guidelines, cannabis attorneys can vary in actual experience, ability, and resources to be the right fit for your business.

What Does a Cannabis Lawyer Do?

Simply put, a cannabis attorney specializes in all things legal, with regard to starting and operating a cannabis business. A cannabis lawyer focuses on marijuana, hemp, CBD or cannabidiol, or any other legal cannabis industry.

A cannabis lawyer will work with you in every step of your cannabis business journey: obtaining a license and a permit, acquiring real property, zoning, support strategies with the community, corporate team building and management, forming the business structure, legal compliance, and even the eventual business sale (and your exit).

Here are the crucial roles that a cannabis lawyer will play throughout the course of your business path, from planning your business and applying for a license to your business succession or exit plans.

Stage 0: Pre-Startup (6-24 months out from licensure)

> Business Entity Formation and Planning

A cannabis attorney will help you with mapping out your strategy and laying out the legal foundation of your cannabis business. Usually if they are experienced in the industry they will be well connected to a network of experts in many important fields that you must at some point engage with on your cannabis business journey. This can include business plan writers, designers, accountants, investors, general contractors, consultants, and more to address potential challenges regarding all stages that you will go through.

> Investments & Fund-Raising

Another crucial step that the cannabis lawyer plays a role in is helping with contracts and agreements when it comes to investments and fund-raising. More experienced cannabis attorneys are typically networked in with other cannabis-focused professionals and might be able to assist you in securing capital and operating investments that can best help you get your business up and running. The attorney will advise you regarding the right investors and investments, forming financial strategies and agreements that are effective in the cannabis market and ensuring the longevity of your business.

> Cannabis Licensing and Permitting Applications

It’s a hard reality in most cases that not everyone who applies for cannabis licenses and permits can get approval. In addition, many states in which cannabis is legal only grant a limited number of licenses. Without the help of a cannabis lawyer, all the resources and effort you devote towards these important requirements can just as easily go down the drain. Per our observation, most cannabis licensing opportunities are followed by a period of what could be years before any new licenses are granted again. The right attorney can give you an edge over your competition, regardless of which state you’re in.

Stage 1: Licensed

> Real Estate Evaluation

Your real estate agreement plays a key role in your long-term business success, depending on the type of cannabis-related business you plan to get into. More often than not, however, state laws require that you, as the owner, should have control of the real property upon which your marijuana grow, dispensary, or other related business will be established. Your cannabis attorney will help you sort out the papers and be an experienced eye looking through your real estate agreements in this endeavor.

> Permits / Zoning / Compliance

Likewise, zoning and compliance also fall within the realm of expertise of a cannabis attorney. Legal compliance, as guaranteed by the right cannabis lawyer, will spare you from unexpected regulatory expenses, potential violations, and the possibility of business insolvency due to non-compliance.

Stage 2: Opening Doors

> Contract Drafting and Vendor Negotiation

Next comes negotiating and setting contracts with vendors. To effectively do so requires a multi-faceted perspective, as many business, legal, and consumer-related factors will come into play. Regardless of the size of your operations, a cannabis lawyer will help you make sure your relationship with your vendors will bring long-term benefits to you.

> On-Going Legal Challenges and Disputes

Expect the road towards a successful cannabis business to have occasional legal bumps every now and then. The key is to keep your dispute-related expenses to a minimum, or even nip them in the bud before they become problems in the first place. A competent, experienced cannabis lawyer has the foresight to quickly identify these issues, and can help you prepare for them in advance (or avoid them completely).

Stage 3: Selling the Business, Mergers & Acquisitions

If you’re getting into the cannabis business with the end goal of eventually selling your business, you absolutely need to form that strategy with a cannabis lawyer. In the same way, plotting your business development and expansion with a cannabis attorney will help you guarantee legal compliance every step of the way, while still maximizing your profit and growth.

How Much Does a Cannabis Lawyer Cost?

The quick answer: It varies, and it usually depends on the kinds of services they will provide and the firm they’re working with.

A cannabis lawyer from a smaller firm will likely cost less than an attorney from a bigger corporate firm. However, while it may be tempting to cut corners in this area by going for the cheapest possible option, that is absolutely not how you should decide on this matter. Take time to look carefully at who you’ll be working with, and gauge the value of your investment in your attorney. Will you get the most out of your dollar? Is your attorney competent, experienced, and well-versed in the cannabis laws of your state?

When Should I Reach Out to a Cannabis Lawyer?

As established early on in this guide, the very beginning of your journey in building a cannabis business should involve a cannabis attorney. It doesn’t matter whether you already need an attorney’s services or not; this will keep an open line of communication to hear professional feedback from someone who can advise you on risks, potential blind spots, and practices that will help you succeed with your business goals.

Where Can I Find The Right Cannabis Lawyer?

As the Internet is full of cannabis lawyers, it can be overwhelming to make your decision based simply on your search results. Check out the following directories, where you will be most likely to find a cannabis lawyer who can best work with you on your business.

FindLaw: https://lawyers.findlaw.com/lawyer/practice/cannabis-law

Cornell: https://lawyers.law.cornell.edu/lawyers/cannabis-marijuana-law

Marijuana Business Daily: https://industrydirectory.mjbizdaily.com/dirsection/lawyers-legal-resources/

NORML: https://lawyers.norml.org/

Justia: https://www.justia.com/lawyers/cannabis-marijuana-law

Ganjapreneur: https://www.ganjapreneur.com/marijuana-lawyers/

How Do I Choose The Right Cannabis Lawyer for My Business?

Step 1 : Determine what your legal needs are.

Before you even start looking for an attorney, figure out exactly what you’ll need first in terms of legal expertise and assistance. Here are some guide questions to help you:

What type of legal advice or guidance will I need to avoid future liabilities in terms of employment, contracting, laws, taxes, and other relevant areas?
What are the operations-related gaps or challenges that my cannabis business will likely face (or is already facing)?
Do I need assistance in raising additional capital, purchasing or leasing commercial property, or dealing with existing debts or assets?
What do I want to achieve with my business within the next 5 to 10 years?
What is my end goal for the business?

Step 2 : Obtain referrals from trusted, credible sources.

It helps to talk to someone you trust on legal matters, like a former or practicing lawyer whom you’ve known for a long time. If you already know the kind of assistance you need, your friend can help by pointing you in the right direction. You’ll have a much better chance of finding the right lawyer than if you do research on your own (although this is an option, of course).

Step 3 : Familiarize yourself with each attorney and their law firms.

Don’t just take your friend’s word for it, though. Do your due diligence and find out as much about the lawyer and their law firm as you can. Take note of the number of years the lawyer has been practicing, how long the firm has been operating, where the lawyer graduated, or anything significant during their entire legal career. Take a look at the website or social media accounts of the attorney or the firm to get a better feel of who they are and how likely your relationship will succeed. Most importantly, check the bar website of your state to confirm whether the lawyer really can practice law in your state.

Step 4 : Schedule a consultation with your potential lawyer.

Reading about your possible lawyer can only get you so far. Schedule an initial consultation, preferably face to face, so that you can have a more in-depth discussion about what you need. Make sure, though, that you won’t get charged by the lawyer for this initial consultation! Additionally, make sure to meet at least three lawyers before you decide. Don’t just pin your hopes or settle for the first one you talk to.

Step 5 : Establish the payment structure early on.

In your meetings with possible cannabis lawyers, make sure to talk about fees and payment, especially if it seems like there’s potential for you to have a good working relationship. Clarify the fee structure (monthly, per transaction, and so on) with the lawyer, so that you can determine if your company can work within it and vice versa. It also helps to obtain bids for legal services, though secretarial time and other overhead expenses should already be included in the lawyer’s quoted hourly rate.

Step 6 : Weigh your options carefully.

Ultimately, the decision rests with you. Avoid lawyers who display red flags (e.g. they seem to be too busy, they take too long to process requirements, they seem to prioritize costly litigation over finding cost-efficient resolutions, etc.). After you speak to each of them, write down the pros and cons of each lawyer, depending on how they interacted with you and the behaviors they displayed during your meetings. Include other factors such as experience and cost as well, and you’ll be able to come up with the best decision in no time.

A final reminder: The success of your relationship with your cannabis lawyer also depends on your behavior as a client. Be open to sharing all important information with your lawyer, set clear rules and expectations regarding what you need and can expect from each other, and make sure to listen to what they say.

Authors

JUSTIN MORICONI

TED FLOWERS

PHONE: (215) 277-1410

LOCATION

HISTORIC CHESTNUT HILL

40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 104

Philadelphia, PA 19118

EisnerAmper, Centri and Moriconi Flowers to Host Webinar: Building Your Cannabis Ecosystem

Posted on April 20, 2021May 24, 2024 by Justin Moriconi

EisnerAmper, Centri and Moriconi Flowers to Host Webinar: Building Your Cannabis Ecosystem

EisnerAmper, Centri and Moriconi Flowers have announced that they will host a webinar titled, “Building Your Cannabis Ecosystem” on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM E. The webinar will feature Eric Altstadter, Partner at EisnerAmper LLP, Kevin McLaughlin, Director at Centri Business Consulting, LLC, and Justin Moriconi, Partner at Moriconi Flowers Ltd.

This webinar will show important information about steps for building a successful cannabis ecosystem. New Jersey Application Process, Capital Structure, Finance and Accounting and Capital Sourcing are among the topics that will be covered.

Those interested in Building Your Cannabis Ecosystem can register for the webinar by visiting

https://www.eisneramper.com/webcast-new-jersey-cannabis-ecosystem-0421/

EisnerAmper LLP is a leading full-service accounting and advisory firm and among the largest in the United States. Founded in 1963, EisnerAmper provided services to more than 200 public companies and over 2,700 financial services entities.

Centri Business Consulting, LLC, founded in 2011, provides the highest quality finance and accounting consulting services. Centri provides companies with the expertise they need to meet their reporting demands.

Moriconi Flowers is a law firm dedicated to applying decades of legal expertise to emerging markets. With well over 30 years of combined law practice at law firms large and small, Ted Flowers and Justin Moriconi formed Moriconi Flowers Ltd. in 2016.

Authors

JUSTIN MORICONI

TED FLOWERS

PHONE: (215) 277-1410

LOCATION

HISTORIC CHESTNUT HILL

40 West Evergreen Avenue, Suite 104

Philadelphia, PA 19118