Authors

Robert Selna, Chair – Greetings readers, I’m Robert Selna. I often work with clients seeking project approvals from local and state governments. That experience comes in handy in the new world of legal cannabis because in order to run a cannabis operation in California, one needs both a local permit and a state license. Thus far, local permitting rules differ substantially depending on the municipality, and some have effectively banned cannabis altogether. State rules will be in an implementation phase at least through early 2018 when applications are issued. It’s not too early to get started though. In my blog, I’ll focus on clarifying local and state laws and answering the questions I routinely receive from prospective cannabis clients.

William Acevedo – I’m Bill Acevedo, a corporate attorney who handles the transactional and business litigation needs for cannabis industry businesses.  I’ve helped clients organize their businesses and safeguard them from legal challenges brought by regulators and competitors alike.  As California moves beyond a medical marijuana state into a true cannabis industry jurisdiction, I’ll be bringing you information that you may find useful in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.

Joshua Cohen – I’m Josh Cohen. I chair the firm’s Intellectual Property Group and advise clients in obtaining and protecting their intellectual property rights. The juxtaposition of Proposition 64 and the federal government’s continued prohibition presents unique obstacles and opportunities. I will be providing insights as California’s cannabis businesses, California’s Bureau of Marijuana Control and other players blaze a new path of what legalization will look like in the Golden State.