Over the years, I’ve heard many variations on a certain comment I’d like to address. The comment is: “I thought of calling you for the project, but it wasn’t a cannabis matter.” It’s a real gut shot, hearing those innocent words. I fully understand why someone would think they need a non-cannabis attorney to handle
This would be a good time to review the branding protection avenues available to cannabis business owners, and to discuss celebrity branding. There are three main ways a brand owner can establish trademark rights: By using the mark in connection with their goods or services (legally) in commerce; By registering the mark with the United
In yet another setback for hemp and marijuana-adjacent businesses, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has quietly reintroduced a policy that effectively disqualifies most of them from critical federal loan programs. The updated policy, effective June 1, has far-reaching consequences for small businesses operating in compliance with state law (and for some, in compliance with
In cannabis contract negotiations, it’s common for the parties to execute an early-stage document called a letter of intent (“LOI”). An LOI may also be called a term sheet; naming it one over the other has no legal significance. I love these little agreements and today I will tell you why. LOIs are used in
I don’t know how it came to be, exactly, but I’ve spent countless hours of my adult working life aiding due diligence on cannabis transactions. These transactions involve all kinds of companies, from sole proprietorships to public companies, and a variety of deals–from leasing, to financing, to good old M&A. Today, I’ll cover how diligence
Our cannabis business attorneys regularly handle transactions involving the purchase and sale of licensed cannabis businesses. These deals often move fast, with brokers rushing both sides toward closing—frequently without regard for applicable diligence and cannabis regulations. The worst-case scenario is when a company comes to us after executing a seller drafted purchase agreement without having
One of the most fundamental questions facing any entrepreneur – whether in the cannabis industry or elsewhere – is: “What type of business entity should I choose?” This is a deceptively complex question, although we’ll try to make it seem simple here. When you ask your lawyer or accountant, their first response will likely be
We always say we aren’t giving legal advice on this blog. Here’s some, though: don’t use or sign a contract given to you by a broker for a transaction, unless that broker is a real estate broker, and unless the form is a real estate purchase agreement. Even then, you almost certainly want lawyer eyes
“An hour of planning can save ten hours of doing.” Apparently, Dale Carnegie said that. Mr. Carnegie was a 20th century influencer, who, as far as I can tell, never sold any weed. He did make a pile of money selling books and talks on how to be confident, charming, etc. That’s not my cup
On Thursday, November 7th, Vince Sliwoski and Fred Rocafort held a post election discussion “Post-Election Cannabis Wrap – Smoke ’em if You’ve Got ’em”. Watch the replay! Key Takeaways from the “Smoke ’em if You’ve Got ’em – 2024 Post Election Cannabis Wrap” Webinar: Panelists: Vince Sliwoski: Oregon Business lawyer specializing in cannabis and commercial
