Federal rescheduling turned California cannabis license designations into real strategy decisions, not just paperwork. This post explains when and how to convert or split A/M licenses, why medical vs adult-use separation now matters for 280E and DEA planning, and why every link in the supply chain needs its own clearly defined medical channel.
Federal rescheduling has finally arrived, but it didn’t magically solve everything for California cannabis businesses. Instead, it created a new set of decisions: whether to pursue DEA registration as a medical operator, how and when to restructure DCC licenses, and what 280E relief actually looks like for mixed medical/adult use companies. This article walks through the concrete steps California operators should take now — including what to do if you missed the initial DEA registration window.
Harris Sliwoski is pleased to announce that Jared Schwass has joined the firm as an attorney in our California office. Jared advises entrepreneurs, investors, startups, and established companies operating in highly regulated industries, with a particular focus on the cannabis sector. His practice includes corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, licensing, land use, and
Cannabis law continues to live in constitutional limbo. States like Washington and California have built robust, tightly regulated cannabis markets, while federal law still treats marijuana as contraband. That tension has now collided head‑on with one of the Constitution’s most powerful doctrines: the Dormant Commerce Clause. Just recently, in January 2026, the Ninth Circuit weighed
In a landmark decision that highlights the tension between state and federal cannabis laws, a California appellate court ruled on October 29th that property owners can refuse to allow the transportation of cannabis across their land via easements, even when the cannabis operation is approved by local authorities. The Second District Court of Appeal’s unanimous
Leasing commercial property to a cannabis business in California presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for landlords. Understanding the potential risks and rewards is essential to making informed decisions. This guide examines various questions our cannabis landlord clients frequently ask my law firm's attorneys regarding leasing California properties to cannabis businesses.
When California opened up for recreational cannabis licensing in 2018, cannabis businesses began sprouting up like wildflowers. This growth has been exciting but due to market volatility and the decline in the state’s cannabis market, legal disputes are also on the rise. California courts are now jam-packed with cannabis-related disputes to the consternation of many
On Wednesday, June 26, Hirsh Jain of Ananda Strategy and I did an hourlong presentation where we examined a laundry list of problems facing the California cannabis industry. We had a lot of questions about whether a replay would be available and are happy to report that you can watch it here. During the webinar, Hirsh
Move aside deep-fried Oreos—this year’s California State Fair is making history with the introduction of cannabis! For the first time in its 170-year history, California is inviting fair-goers to purchase and enjoy cannabis products directly on site. The decision celebrates the state’s vibrant agricultural and cannabis heritage, and showcases winners of the 2024 California State
As California continues to pioneer in the cannabis industry, a new trend is taking the scene by storm: cannabis consumption lounges. These lounges are becoming the ultimate hangout spots, and the latest buzz is about adding food and non-alcoholic drinks to the menu. Let’s dive into what’s happening with consumption lounges in California and how
