WHY YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY ON YOUR STATE APPLICATION FOR A CANNABUSINESS LICENSE
The entry costs for marijuana businesses can be high, and the exact legal requirements for starting an operation are often confusing. In fact, opening a CannaBusiness is no easy feat due to variations in federal and state laws. Marijuana rules and regulations change constantly. The laws are intricate and require specialization to understand. Hiring a lawyer who is familiar with both state and federal marijuana laws can help avoid confusion and serious consequences.
As ambitious and eager entrepreneurs rush to take advantage of this growing market, it is important to investigate local policies regarding the sale of recreational and medicinal marijuana. In fact, it is highly recommended that you contact a marijuana attorney to ensure that your business complies with all applicable regulations. The CannaBusiness is a highly regulated industry and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) requires that the applicant provide the necessary paperwork to ensure that the business can operate within the proper regulatory environment.(See https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-89334_72600_73836-365424–,00.html)
Picking a business location is imperative to achieving licensure under the LARA and for a successful business, generally. However, some cities have current or proposed dispensary license regulations that must be followed, while many other cities do not have rules in place. For cities without established rules, it is important to understand the city’s existing zoning ordinance and an investigation of the city council’s position of dispensaries. Obtaining a license from the city requires an application, a site plan and sometimes a public hearing. Lobbying is an important aspect of gaining public approval. With good education, planning and investigation, a great dispensary location can be obtained.
You also have to show that you are able to remain compliant with state law upon beginning operations–having experienced assistance in this regard is definitely achievable before obtaining a state license. The state and local laws which marijuana businesses must adhere to are extremely complex and intertwined, with harsh consequences possible for even relatively minor violations. In this context, it’s a dangerous gamble to try to maintain a business in the cannabis industry without a cannabis attorney.
Retaining a cannabis lawyer provides a degree of access to a knowledgeable professional who is able to interpret complicated regulations–something a private citizen may not be qualified to do. It’s easy to find information online, but much of it is outdated, contradictory, misleading, or outright false advice on the Cannabusiness industry. For these reasons, it’s worth considering hiring a Michigan marijuana attorney to protect your business and the investments behind your business.
Marijuana lawyers are often available to help with services such as business corporation entity consultation and set-up; operating and shareholder agreements; management and employment agreements; licensee and employee background checks; and city and state business license applications. Cannabis attorneys are able to provide peace of mind by ensuring that your Cannabusiness licensing applications, as well as any additional documents, are in order and subjected to professional review before submission. Not only does having legal counsel help you understand and stay within the law, it helps balance all of the daunting financial risks that come with any new business venture.
Prior to submitting applications to the department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs it is important to consult with an attorney. When considering whether to open a marijuana related business in Michigan it is important to consult with an attorney to ensure compliance with the MMMA and MRTMA. Great Lakes Bay Legal Consulting, Attorney Nathan J. Collison can assist individuals and business with licensing applications and CannaBusiness planing. Schedule a Consultation Today.
Attorney Nathan J. Collison is the 4th generation of his family to provide industry leading legal services in the Great Lakes Bay region, and Great Lakes Bay Legal Consulting continues that tradition. We build relationships based on your individual needs and goals. Our focus is on excellence, integrity, and you.