Greenspoon Marder Cannabis Practice Group Monitoring Department of Justice Potential Action Regarding Recreational Cannabis

News Feb 24, 2017

MEDIA CONTACT
Michelle Martinez Reyes, Chief Marketing Officer
954.333.4357 | michelle.martinez.reyes@gmlaw.com

GREENSPOON MARDER CANNABIS PRACTICE GROUP MONITORING DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING RECREATIONAL CANNABIS

Fort Lauderdale, FL – February 24, 2017 – During a recent press conference White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, in response to a question about cannabis, suggested that while medical cannabis programs provide real benefits to the sick and suffering, recreational cannabis programs are very differently situated. Additionally, Spicer implied that the new Department of Justice, under Attorney General Jeff Sessions, would be seriously considering increased enforcement in recreational states- although it was unclear what that enforcement would be.

Greenspoon Marder recognizes that there are a number of possible interpretations of this messaging; however, we are hopeful that this does not mean a reassessment of the recreational market. Instead, we believe that Spicer’s statement was telegraphing increased enforcement of illegal conduct under the guise of the recreational program and of those acting outside of its regulated boundaries.

It is important to note that the administration, as part of this response, has now articulated specific support for medical cannabis and its long-recognized health benefits.

Additionally, we believe that the new Trump administration will not shut down the recreational markets in the existing states nor prevent the roll out in states that just recently voted for legalization in November 2016.

“Voters across the country have spoken loudly over the past few years in favor of having a regulated cannabis market,” says Gerald Greenspoon, Co-Managing Director of Greenspoon Marder.

It is our position that even if enforcement is expanded beyond the existing Cole Memo, the Trump administration will see the benefits of legalized cannabis programs, both medical and adult use, and will encourage the regulated part of the market to thrive.

“In states with legalization and a well-regulated program, we are witnessing increased tax revenue, creation of new jobs, both direct and indirect, including the establishment of both small, family run businesses, plus the development of new technology and scientific research- all things the new administration has spoken in favor of, and of benefit to the U.S. economy,” comments Greenspoon.

“Regulated cannabis has proven to be a success as well as a strong tool to end the illegal market. States have gotten it right each time and it is important to recognize this as a state’s rights issue,” says Amy Margolis, a shareholder with the firm’s Cannabis Law practice.

Greenspoon Marder is dedicated to supporting our cannabis clients and their legal businesses and will continue to monitor closely any further action by the Department of Justice.

About Greenspoon Marder

Greenspoon Marder is a national full-service business law firm with over 200 attorneys and offices across the United States. We are ranked among American Lawyer’s Am Law 200, as one of the top law firms in the U.S. since 2015. Our firm was founded with the goal of providing the highest quality legal services at the highest value for our clients. Each of our clients is unique and so are their legal needs. We believe no one size fits all for professional services. Our lawyers offer flexible and creative solutions to meet our clients’ respective needs. Our mission is to understand the challenges our clients face, build collaborative relationships and craft solutions with a focus on strategic goals.

MEDIA CONTACT
Natalie Villanueva, Marketing/ PR Manager
954.333.4308 | natalie.villanueva@gmlaw.com

Next Previous