In this segment, you will discover the importance of learning about cannabis law history. High-level topics that we will cover in this course include: cannabis and the pre-20th century; the 1930s and the early prohibition of marijuana; the war on drugs era; the advent of medicinal cannabis and adult use cannabis; as well as the exciting industry of industrial hemp.

In this segment, you will learn about the reports of marijuana being used for medicinal purposes in China and India that date back to circa 2700 BC. Next, you will learn about cannabis and its entry into U.S. Pharmacopeia up until the mid-1950s.

In this segment, you will learn that marijuana was not classed as a major drug under the Pharmacopeia until the mid-1950s. Next, you will also cover the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, and the LaGuardia Commission Report on Crime that concluded cannabis poses little to no danger for social use.

In this segment, you will learn that the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 was found unconstitutional, and that the CSA effectively replaced the Marihuana Tax Act and classified more substances as illicit. This era included Nixon officially declaring the War on Drugs, and the National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse concluding that with most users, the actual and potential harm of use is not enough to justify intrusion by criminal law. Finally, Jimmy Carter’s 1976 presidential platform that included the decriminalization of cannabis is discussed.

In this segment, you will learn how California's Proposition 215 ballot initiative provides the right to obtain and use medicinal cannabis for the treatment of many illnesses for which marijuana provides relief. Next, you will explore California Senate Bill 420 and how it required the state's department of health to establish a medical marijuana program. Finally, you will learn about the continued movement to enact more medical cannabis programs throughout the country.

In this segment, you will learn about the vote to effectively legalize recreational sale, distribution, processing, and use for people 21 or older. The video goes over industry issues such as banking and how cannabis businesses must operate cash-only. It also cover taxes and that cannabis businesses are barred from most business deductions because cannabis is still a schedule I substance. Finally, federal initiatives such as the Marijuana Justice Act and the States Act are discussed.

In this segment, you will learn that hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant that contains low amounts of THC, and it does NOT have any psychoactive effect. You will also cover the many uses of hemp, as well as the Agricultural Act of 2014 that effectively allows states to enact their own hemp policies. Finally, the 2018 Hemp Farming Bill is discussed.

This segment asks the question, How can lawyers advise clients regarding activities that are federally illegal? You will learn about the standards for professionals, how to competently represent businesses, as well as how to adhere to high standards of ethical conduct.

In this segment, you will explore cannabis law basics, and the state-level laws for use of cannabis for medicinal purposes and recreational use. Also covered is how the Controlled Substances Act treats marijuana as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, and that without congressional action, marijuana will remain a Schedule I controlled substance for the foreseeable future.

In this segment, you will learn about the legalization timeline beginning with California voters passing Prop 215, as well as learning about the Ogden Memo, the Cole Memo, and the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment.

In this segment, you will learn about the rules of conduct, and assisting a client in conduct that the lawyer reasonably believes is permitted by federal law and policy. Next, you will cover related statutes and regulations regarding cannabis law.

In this segment, you will explore the reasonableness of fees, as well as how to determine a reasonable fee structure and the types of fees between attorney and client. Next, you'll learn about the pitfalls of additional fees and how to carefully define conduct that may violate criminal, administrative, or disciplinary rules or statutes.

An introduction to securing state licenses and local permits.

In this segment, you will learn about the different types of cannabis businesses you are licensing and how the licensing is relevant to medical marijuana, recreational marijuana, or both.

In this segment, you will learn about different business entity choices to pursue for your cannabis operation, such as building a corporation, a limited liability company, or another type of business entity.

In this segment, you will learn about putting together your dream team and how to get big picture players who get things done, such as hiring renaissance attorneys and people to oversee operations and management, design and development, and the accounting department.

In this segment, you will learn about the licensing scheme roadmap while also covering dual licensing vs state licensing schemes, and merit-based applications vs check-the-box applications.

In this segment, you will learn about state licensing and the importance of reading the regulations, identifying regulatory agencies, and getting to know your state regulatory agents. Next, the different types of licenses are covered, as well as ownership requirements, investor requirements, and employee requirements. Finally, keeping yourself updated on state law and compliance measures is discussed.

In this segment, you will explore local licensing and permitting schemes. You will also learn about how to keep yourself informed while reading about code and the regulations relevant to your type of business.

An introduction to the course on selecting and contracting with vendors.

The course discusses vendor agreements, and what attorneys need to identify to protect their clients to ensure their businesses are successful.

The course discusses how to select a vendor, and the relationship with the client.

This course discusses a vendor contract, which is an agreement with anybody who is providing a service or a good.

This course discusses vendor contracts and how dollars exchange hands.

This course discusses the importance of balancing contract terms between being overburdensome and having liability concerns.

This video provides a summary of vendor contracts and client relationship agreements.

This video examines the ins and outs of running a compliant cannabis business through the lens of two experts in the field.

This course discusses legalized marijuana, how a company operates, and the terms associated with the business and the cash management of that business.

The course focuses on the tax planning needed to set up cannabis businesses for success. The most important thing to consider is entity structure, whether it be LLC, S-Corp, etc. Simplicity is key to keeping smaller businesses running smoothly. The course also discusses the importance of understanding state sales tax, state by state.

This course discusses how taxes are imposed on marijuana-related businesses at the state, local, and federal levels.

This video is a discussion between two industry experts that highlights a pathway of getting started in the industry in real time. They talk about company structure, being acquired, managing expectations, bringing in different cultures, changing evaluations, testing the traditional system, and the hemp industry.

This video is an introduction to corporate structure and legal protection.

This video discusses how new businesses and startups should be set up to free owners from personal liability. This pertains to expenses related to the business and claims brought against the business.

This video explains that there is no corporate shield that protects cannabis businesses from criminal prosecution because marijuana is not legal under federal law.

This video discusses the final rule regarding marijuana and lawmakers' attempts to classify CBD as a Schedule 1 drug. The definition proposed by lawmakers fails to protect the portions of the plant exempt from the definition of marijuana, which includes the stem, the stalk, fiber, and non-viable seeds.

The video discusses how there is higher risk tolerance required for those operating in the cannabis industry. It also discusses that due to these potential risks, it is important to have a properly organized and maintained business entity.

This videos discusses the various types of business entities, their benefits and costs, and the importance of selecting the one that is best for you and your business plan.

An introduction to insurance in the cannabis industry.

This video provides a great starting point for those who are new to the cannabis industry and insurance polices. This lesson provides definitions and detailed explanations of common insurance terms such as Claims Made Policies and Occurrence Made Policies.

This video continues to provide definitions and explanations for the cannabis industry and insurance policies. Just a few of the terms that are discussed are General Liability, Products Completed Operations, Personal Advertisement Injury, Named Insured, and Additional Insured.

What is Product Liability Insurance? This video dives into this form of insurance and discusses its legal definition, what it covers, and how it is relevant to the cannabis industry.

This video continues to discuss Product Liability Insurance and its application within the cannabis industry. It discusses examples of product liability claims, bodily injury claims, and causation defenses.

This video discusses the differences between product recall and product withdrawal. In addition, the experts provide examples and scenarios of both.

How is intellectual property relevant to the cannabis industry? Within this video, experts discuss the difference between intellectual property and product liability. They also review licensing agreements, trademarks, patents, and more.

This video discusses several organizations and regulations that were created to ensure the safety of cannabis consumers. Our experts highlight several organizations including the Consumer Safety Protection Commission (CSPC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and their roles regarding cannabis products.

In conclusion, the final lesson reviews key terms and concepts that were presented throughout the course. The experts also highlight important insurance issues that businesses should be aware of when interacting with cannabis products.

This video provides an introduction to employment-related issues.

This lesson highlights the legal case of Coats vs. DISH Network and discusses the legal grey area of cannabis and the workplace. This court case established that an employer can legally prohibit their employee from using recreational or medical cannabis, even in states where consumption is legal.

There are a number of problems that have to be addressed when discussing cannabis and the workplace. This video discusses several areas of concern, including testing, employer expense, equal protection, state legislation, employee protected states, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).

This lesson highlights the unfair treatment that many recreational and medical cannabis users often face in the workplace. In addition, the video discusses the often hypocritical ways that employers approach alcohol and cannabis use outside of work hours.

This video discusses the primary difference between presence and impairment caused by cannabis. In addition, the expert provides a real-world example of how cannabis can be present in a user's system, while not actively causing psychoactive effects.

This lesson addresses relevant questions that employers and employees may have regarding cannabis and the workplace. The expert answers several questions, including: Why don’t more states adopt a “Presence vs. Impairment” Standard?

Are employees free to use CBD products? This video discusses legal issues that arise when it comes to CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids. Under federal law, CBD is not permitted in the workplace, however this is contradicted by legislation.

This video discusses several employment issues that may arise due to cannabis use. The expert discusses topics such as workers compensation, real world court cases, state legislation, and much more.

This lesson highlights several reasons why employers might prohibit cannabis use, even outside of work hours. Just a few of these reasons include employer liability, breach of contract, property damage, and dangerous product design.

This video discusses policies behind packaging and cannabis products. In addition, this video highlights real world examples of child resistant packaging and discusses how cannabis products can remain compliant.

This video discusses outdoor and public advertising requirements that cannabis businesses face in different states. These regulations often influence the placement, size, and type of advertisement that can be shown in public.

This video discusses state laws regarding prohibitions on free products, promotions, and giveaways. In addition, this video highlights real world examples of states that have regulations regarding coupons or free cannabis products.

This video discusses how cannabis businesses and manufacturers are required to label their products with the applicable potency. This allows regulators, legislators, and consumers to have a better understanding of the products' effect.

This video discusses Marijuana Graphics Requirements and how they differ between states. Many states have strict rules for cannabis-related imagery on advertising and branding material.

This video provides a comprehensive overview of FDA labeling regulations regarding dietary supplements, cosmetics, and other hemp-derived products. In addition, this video discusses the responsibilities of the FDA and other federal organizations.

This video provides an overview of FDA regulations and their relationship to hemp-derived cosmetics and supplements. In addition, this video details the different required components and information, such as display panels, product name, net weight, and ingredient list.

Can cannabis products be labeled as “organic” under FDA regulations? This video discusses how businesses can certify their cannabis and hemp-derived products. In addition, it discusses the different federal organizations that are responsible for organic classifications.

In this video segment, Adam Foster Esq. of Foster & Jones gives an introduction to real estate transactions. Negotiating real estate contracts in the cannabis context involves a series of tradeoffs between buyer and seller or landlord and tenant. Typically both parties want to maximize their own sense of security and certainty while preserving the flexibility to deal with changes in law and market conditions. Overall there is a lack of agreement on standard or “market” terms for cannabis real estate agreements, and lawyers often claim that whatever term they last saw that benefits their client is market within the industry.

In this video segment, Adam Foster Esq. covers due diligence and licensure in the world of cannabis. When looking at doing your due diligence, it is vital to look at zoning and licensing. Zoning defines what activities or uses are permitted in certain defined areas, while licensing can involve questions regarding good moral character, distance restrictions, and caps on the number of licenses. It is also typical to have additional inspections (generally conducted by local authorities) that examine fire safety, construction (certificate of occupancy) and environmental issues.

In this video segment, Adam Foster Esq. tackles security and leases. What kind of security can the tenant put up to guarantee the performance of the lease? State statutes often limit security interests in FFE, licenses and product.

In this video segment, Adam Foster Esq. touches on option agreements. Tenants generally put significant money into TI and build out, particularly for cultivation use. Market rent tends to increase but is hard to predict.

In this video segment, Adam Foster explores the lack of bank financing in the cannabis industry. Hard money lenders typically charge 12-15% plus due diligence and loan origination fees. Lease with purchase option or sale and leaseback arrangements are common. Using a property for cannabis-related activities typically violates mortgage covenants regarding compliance with federal law.

In this video segment. Adam Foster, Esq. talks about federal illegality in cannabis. Property seizure is theoretically possible but he is not aware of seizure where tenants are obeying state law. If changes to the legal atmosphere render usage in non-compliance or if either party receives written notice from any governmental entity requesting discontinuance of use on the property, either party will have the option to terminate a lease with 90 days written notice or may terminate it sooner if the applicable governmental notification requests it.

In this video segment, Adam Foster, Esq. breaks down standardized forms. Tenants would prefer to opt-out if they cannot obtain licensing but most landlords are resistant. Language permitting landlords to use self-help is generally a bad idea and leases should discuss procedures for landlord inspection.

In this video segment, Pamela N. Epstein gives an introduction to the environmental issues in cannabis. She explains the role of sustainability with cannabis operations along the supply chain. She also talks about environmental regulations and how they factor in with business decisions.

In this video segment, Pamela N. Epstein Esq. examines environmental responsibility within California. California is the nation's largest cannabis state, and is built to protect the environment for cannabis regulations. There are many concerns that operators face, including surface and groundwater quality, water use, energy use, and energy upgrades. When going through the environment and application process, land use entitlements are the backbone of all land development.

In this video segment, Pamela N. Epstein Esq. dives into the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). CEQA was enacted in 1970 after the Natural Environmental Act passed. There are three roles that public agencies can play in CEQA: lead agency, responsible agency, and trustee agency.

In this video segment, Pamela N. Epstein Esq. covers local jurisdictions and CEQA. Examples on how CEQA has been applied are by exemptions, negative declarations, mitigated negative declarations, and EIRs.

In this video segment, Pamela N. Epstein details CEQA litigation to date, including an example of a NIMBY lawsuit in Alameda County, California. She also discusses issues around banning or significantly limiting commercial cannabis activities.

In this video segment, Pamela N. Epstein dissects state applications and CEQA compliance. The applicant is responsible for demonstrating CEQA compliance, including local use level, evidence of exemption, and an environmental review document. California has a dual licensing system, meaning that compliance must occur at the local and state level.

In this video segment, Pamela N. Epstein chats about the BCC draft permanent regulations. All transport of cannabis must be moved by automotive means, but metropolitan organizations have to govern the emissions regulations. When no discretionary action is taken, voter initiative is vital.

In this video segment, Pamela N. Epstein tackles the great packaging debate. Exit bags have become important. Packaging needs to be considered child resistant to ensure children don't get to the product. Exit bags also give an opportunity for branding and education.

In this video segment, Pamela N. Epstein dives into water, the coastal zone, and cultivation. In California, there is a reasonable use doctrine, which means all water must be beneficial and be a reasonable method of use.

In this video segment, Pamela N. Epstein breaks down cannabis cultivation and water. The amount of water needed for cultivation is typically minimal but depends on the cultivation process. The Water Board: Cannabis Cultivation Program has four main components, including enforcement groups that look at wetland and riparian impacts.

In this video segment, Pamela N. Epstein Esq. wraps up the Environmental Issues course. It is important to take a village approach. Bring in an army to get through all the various components.

In this video segment, Kevin H. Fortin Esq. gives a brief introduction to protecting intellectual property. Some of the main topics include patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and licensing IP rights.

In this video segment, Kevin H. Fortin covers patents related to protecting intellectual property. Patents are vital because they protect the client's invention. Patents are issued by the US Patent and Trademark office at the federal level. Patents are only issued on novel products, meaning new or non-obvious.

In this video segment, Kevin H. Fortin looks into intellectual property trade secrets. Trade secrets are ideas or concepts you don't want to share with other companies and which can be licensed or monetized. Unlike patents, trade secrets are inexpensive to maintain and won't pile up legal fees.

In this video segment, Kevin H. Fortin dives into licensing IP rights. There are many ways to propagate your business, including capital, strategic licensing, and intellectual property licensing. It is vital to separate IP rights from the operating entity.