Greenspoon Marder Cannabis Practice Group Monitoring Department of Justice Potential Action Regarding Recreational Cannabis

News Feb 24, 2017

MEDIA CONTACT
Michelle Martinez Reyes, Chief Marketing Officer
954.333.4357 | [email protected]

GREENSPOON MARDER CANNABIS PRACTICE GROUP MONITORING DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING RECREATIONAL CANNABIS

Fort Lauderdale, FL – February 24, 2017 – During a recent press conference White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, in response to a question about cannabis, suggested that while medical cannabis programs provide real benefits to the sick and suffering, recreational cannabis programs are very differently situated. Additionally, Spicer implied that the new Department of Justice, under Attorney General Jeff Sessions, would be seriously considering increased enforcement in recreational states- although it was unclear what that enforcement would be.

Greenspoon Marder recognizes that there are a number of possible interpretations of this messaging; however, we are hopeful that this does not mean a reassessment of the recreational market. Instead, we believe that Spicer’s statement was telegraphing increased enforcement of illegal conduct under the guise of the recreational program and of those acting outside of its regulated boundaries.

It is important to note that the administration, as part of this response, has now articulated specific support for medical cannabis and its long-recognized health benefits.

Additionally, we believe that the new Trump administration will not shut down the recreational markets in the existing states nor prevent the roll out in states that just recently voted for legalization in November 2016.

“Voters across the country have spoken loudly over the past few years in favor of having a regulated cannabis market,” says Gerald Greenspoon, Co-Managing Director of Greenspoon Marder.

It is our position that even if enforcement is expanded beyond the existing Cole Memo, the Trump administration will see the benefits of legalized cannabis programs, both medical and adult use, and will encourage the regulated part of the market to thrive.

“In states with legalization and a well-regulated program, we are witnessing increased tax revenue, creation of new jobs, both direct and indirect, including the establishment of both small, family run businesses, plus the development of new technology and scientific research- all things the new administration has spoken in favor of, and of benefit to the U.S. economy,” comments Greenspoon.

“Regulated cannabis has proven to be a success as well as a strong tool to end the illegal market. States have gotten it right each time and it is important to recognize this as a state’s rights issue,” says Amy Margolis, a shareholder with the firm’s Cannabis Law practice.

Greenspoon Marder is dedicated to supporting our cannabis clients and their legal businesses and will continue to monitor closely any further action by the Department of Justice.

About Greenspoon Marder

Greenspoon Marder LLP is a full-service law firm with over 240 attorneys and more than 20 office locations across the United States. With operations from Miami to New York and from Denver to Los Angeles, our firm attracts some of the nation’s top talent in key markets and innovation hubs. Our core practice areas include Real Estate, Litigation, and Transactional Services, complemented by the capabilities of a full-service firm. Greenspoon Marder has upheld a spot on The American Lawyer’s Am Law 200 as one of the top law firms in the U.S. since 2015, and our goal is to provide exceptional client service by developing a thorough understanding of each client’s business needs and objectives in order to provide strategic, cost-effective solutions.

MEDIA CONTACT

Natalie Villanueva, Director of Marketing
954.333.4308 | [email protected]

This Greenspoon Marder LLP Client Alert is issued for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed or used as general legal advice nor a solicitation of any type. Please contact the author(s) or your Greenspoon Marder LLP contact if you have any questions regarding the currency of this information. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision. Before you decide, ask for written information about the lawyer’s legal qualifications and experience.

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Greenspoon Marder Cannabis Practice Group Monitoring Department of Justice Potential Action Regarding Recreational Cannabis

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