foreign company due diligence

Due Diligence in Cannabis Transactions: Mechanics and Red Flags

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

cannabis trademark

How Strong Is Your Cannabis Trademark?

Understanding Trademark Strength We frequently discuss the cannabis-specific challenges that brands face when seeking trademark protection. But it’s just as important not to lose sight of the core trademark principles that apply to all businesses—especially the need for a strong, distinctive mark. Clients often approach us with catchy, creative names that, unfortunately, are (or are

cannabis llc operating agreement

Why Cannabis LLCs Need Operating Agreements

Cannabis businesses are usually structured as limited liability companies (LLCs)—and for good reason. LLCs offer far more flexibility than corporations, which are bound by rigid governance rules. To take advantage of this flexibility (and for many other reasons), LLC owners—called members—need a well-drafted operating agreement. Below, we look at a few critical reasons why cannabis

cannabis business ownership

File Under Bad Ideas: 50/50 Cannabis Business Ownership

There are many ways to set up a cannabis business, and we like to think that we’ve seen them all. But there’s probably no worse category than 50/50 ownership of a business– a recipe for all sorts of disasters. Let’s look and why that is, and some ways to avoid it. What 50/50 ownership means,

unauthorized practice of law oregon cannabis

Please Do Not Use Agreements from Brokers

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

Event flyer for "Trademarking Cannabis" webinar on March 6, 2025, featuring three attorneys. Includes a cannabis leaf illustration and a "Register Now" button.

FREE Webinar This Thursday, March 6: Trademarking Cannabis – Cutting Through the Legal Haze

REGISTER HERE The cannabis industry is expanding nationwide, but securing trademark protection remains a complex challenge due to federal restrictions and evolving state laws. If you’re a cannabis business owner, lawyer, or entrepreneur looking to protect your brand, you won’t want to miss our upcoming webinar on cannabis and trademarks. What You’ll Learn Our expert

oregon cannabis laws

Oregon Cannabis 2025: Legislative Forecast and Report

The Oregon legislative session formally kicked off this week, on Tuesday, January 21st. It’s a regular session in 2025, meaning we’re in for a longer stretch — a 160-day calendar, versus the 35-day affair we see in even-numbered years. If you read any of the news articles previewing the 2025 session, you won’t see cannabis

cannabis code enforcement

Cannabis Code Enforcement Fines Must be Remedial, Not Punitive, Federal Court of Appeal Holds

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal has reinstated a civil rights lawsuit against Humboldt County, California, that challenges the county’s practices in imposing punitive daily fines. It is the first time a federal appellate court has weighed in on local government’s enforcement of code violations involving cannabis farms. The Court of Appeal decision The decision,

cannabis concentrates

Cannabis Concentrates in Washington State: Production, Types, Techniques, and Legality

Cannabis concentrates have become a cornerstone of modern cannabis consumption, offering a potent, clean, and diverse way to experience cannabinoids and terpenes. These products, ranging from shatter to wax and live resin, are derived through sophisticated extraction methods that deliver enhanced flavors and intensities for consumers. For both seasoned cannabis users and industry professionals, understanding

drug paraphernalia

Cannabis Paraphernalia: Protecting Your Brand Amid Federal Prohibition

The days of smoking cannabis out of apples is over. Smoking devices are readily accessible in tobacco shops and cannabis retailers, and their production and sale are big business. Creative shapes and sizes impress and create unique smoking experiences. However, as states across the U.S. continue to legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use, the

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