Los Angeles dispensary lawyer blog

May 4, 2017

NFL Players Again Fight for Medical Marijuana Use

In the recent National Football League (NFL) draft, we heard a lot of stories about the draft position of at least one highly ranked collegiate athlete was sliding because of a failed drug test. However, it should be noted that he did not actually test positive for marijuana. Rather, he tested positive for what is known as a water-loaded sample.

marijuana lawyer Many people are concerned that they will fail a drug test with positive sample and will do whatever they can to pass the test. This includes taking detox products that are available on the internet or at specialty vitamin stores, and it even includes using synthetic urine or another person’s urine. Since many testing centers watch the subject take the test with a mirror or directly, they even sell products that allow someone to discreetly provide a substitute sample. This is generally not a good idea and many people get caught.

Someone seeking to defend their right to use marijuana, particularly medicinal marijuana, and hold onto their job may face an uphill battle. However, consultation with an experienced marijuana lawyer is recommended.

April 21, 2017

Governor and Legislatures Argue About California Marijuana Laws

By Cannabis Law Group

According to a recent news article from the Los Angeles Times, the governor has proposed a plan to alter some marijuana laws in California, and this has led to some push back from state lawmakers. Those who challenge these new measures say repealing certain provisions in the now two-year-old marijuana laws would essentially be a giveaway to the marijuana industry at the expense of the safety and welfare of the general public.

questionmark However, it should come as no surprise that those who are pushing the pubic safety aspects are primarily supported by the law enforcement community. Despite there being no credible evidence to support this position, and in fact there is evidence to the contrary, the law enforcement community has worked to oppose marijuana legalization across the country by arguing that it will increase crime and school dropout rates. This was a major argument made in Colorado to avoid the legalization of marijuana of marijuana for recreational use. Continue reading

December 31, 2016

Has Your Cannabis Dispensary Staff Received Adequate Training?

By Cannabis Law Group

Some locations call them, “budtenders.” Others refer to them as “patient liaisons” or “compassion care technicians” or “dispensary agents.” Although there is no single formal title or degree, these individuals are responsible for working behind the counters of California’s marijuana dispensaries. class

Our L.A. marijuana dispensary attorneys are often asked about the required training for those in these roles. Although there is no legal requirement or state-approved course that budtenders have to pass, it can be a smart move for a business to seek advanced education for their dispensary workers. A new study published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research revealed 55 percent of dispensary staff (medical and non-medical) had some type of formal training for their position. Twenty percent had some form of medical or scientific training. Meanwhile, approximately 94 percent reported they provide specific cannabis advice to patients. Many of these patients are seeking advice on specific strains that can help them with a variety of ailments, form post-traumatic stress disorder to chronic pain to seizures. It helps if the staff knows what they are selling, not just from a customer service standpoint but potentially from a liability standpoint.

California was the first state to allow medicinal marijuana and recently joined a growing number of states that now allow recreational marijuana (though detailed regulations are still being ironed out). On Jan. 1st, 2018, a bill signed by Gov. Jerry Brown will go into effect that has a number of requirements that could make training even more valuable. Among those requirements include tracing requirements, record-keeping, streamlined systems for transportation, quality assurance testing standards and robust labeling/ packaging/ product handling and security. Continue reading