how do i become a niche marijuana attorney in illinois

by Dr. Horace Nikolaus IV 7 min read

Put simply, if you just passed the bar, you'll have to slip a few years' business and contract experience under your belt before you can venture off and become a pot attorney. Know Your Product This does not mean toke up. This mean know your market.

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How to become a successful cannabis attorney?

Mar 01, 2016 · Put simply, if you just passed the bar, you'll have to slip a few years' business and contract experience under your belt before you can venture off and become a pot attorney. Know Your Product This does not mean toke up. This mean know your market.

What are the laws for marijuana dispensaries in Illinois?

Sep 10, 2012 · So you'll have to do a bit of reading to develop any type of expertise. And because the law is so new, there may be very little guidance and case law to help you. It's hard to compete in today's legal market, and becoming a marijuana lawyer is one creative practice area you may want to consider. If you live in a state that has legalized ...

Can I be fired for smoking weed in the workplace in Illinois?

in 2021 Illinois is awarding another 110 cannabis dispensary licenses. the earlier medical cannabis dispensaries can make up another 110 cannabis dispensaries. It goes without saying that legalization of recreational and medical marijuana in Illinois will without doubt lead to an increase in the use of marijuana products.

Is legal weed a sticking point for employers in Illinois?

Jan 01, 2020 · Illinoisans can legally possess 30 grams, or about an ounce, of cannabis flower. The legal limit for cannabis concentrate is 5 grams. And the limit for cannabis-infused products, such as edibles ...

What is the Illinois dispensary law?

According to the new Illinois law, dispensaries are required to offer “an assortment of products from various cannabis business establishment licensees such that the inventory available for sale at any dispensary from any single cultivation center, craft grower, processor, or infuser entity shall not be more than 40% of the total inventory available for sale”.

Who has the right to inspect cannabis dispensaries?

The local law, police, and the licensing department will have a right to do random unannounced inspections on any cannabis dispensaries in the state. In addition, law enforcement officers will have a right to access all cannabis related products, materials, and even records.

What is a qualifying applicant?

“Qualifying Applicant” means an applicant that submitted an application pursuant to Section 15-30 that received at least 85% of 250 application points available under Section 15-30 as the applicant’s final score and meets the definition of “Social Equity Applicant” as set forth under this Section.

How long does a dispensary have to notify the licensing department of a closed dispensary?

The duration allowed for this notice is at least 3 months before the date of closure.

What is a social equity justice involved applicant?

“Qualifying Social Equity Justice Involved Applicant” means an applicant that submitted an application pursuant to Section 15-30 that received at least 85% of 250 application points available under Section 15-30 as the applicant’s final score and meet s the criteria of either paragraph (1) or (2) of the definition of “Social Equity Applicant” as set forth under this Section.

When will conditional adult licenses be issued in 2022?

HB 1443 also provides for an additional 50 Conditional Adult Use Licenses to be issued before December 21, 2022. So there should be a second round of applications in the coming year. Presumably only social equity applicants would be able to access those licenses as well.

How much cannabis can you have in Illinois?

Illinoisans can legally possess 30 grams, or about an ounce, of cannabis flower. The legal limit for cannabis concentrate is 5 grams. And the limit for cannabis-infused products, such as edibles or tinctures, is 500 milligrams of THC, the chemical that gets users high.

How much is the tax on marijuana?

The new law also imposes a 7% gross receipts tax on the sale of marijuana from cultivators to dispensaries – a cost that will likely be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.

What is the tax on cannabis?

Purchases of cannabis flower or products with less than 35% THC are slapped with a 10% sales tax. Cannabis-infused products such as edibles come with a 20% tax. Products with a THC concentration higher than 35% come with a 25% tax. Illinois municipalities and counties are able to levy additional local sales taxes.

Is medical marijuana legal in Illinois?

Medical marijuana dispensaries are the only legal sellers of marijuana for recreational use in January 2020. Beginning in mid-2020, Illinois will grant additional licenses to dozens of new stores, processors, cultivators and transporters.

Is it legal to smoke in your own home?

It is legal to smoke in one’s own home and on-site in some cannabis-related businesses. Use is prohibited in: Any public place, such as streets or parks. In any motor vehicle. On school grounds, with the exception of medical users. Near someone under the age of 21.

Is Illinois legalizing marijuana?

Answers to frequently asked questions about Illinois’ cannabis legalization law. Illinois became the 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana for adult use, after Gov. J.B. Pritzker in June signed the bill into law that takes effect today.

What is marijuana law?

Marijuana law, like entertainment law, is an amalgamation of other practice areas, including business law, administrative law, intellectual property, criminal law, employment law and tax law. I would advise that any attorney targeting the cannabis industry should start with a firm foundation in business law.

How important is it to choose a marijuana kingpin?

It is very important that you choose your clients with care. Do not be afraid to send them to your competitors. Many of the most experienced people in marijuana are long-time criminals. All are criminals under federal law. Most often, veteran marijuana kingpins are rather docile. However, some of the people knocking on your door may be more dangerous and prone to shady dealing. Even organized crime is trying to get into the action. You will be working closely with the marijuana regulatory bodies and it is best to maintain your credibility for yourself and your clients.

Why are profit margins thin?

In the emerging and highly competitive environment, profit margins are thin, and many businesses end up in litigation as the partners fight over shrinking margins.

How many states have legalized medical marijuana?

Medical marijuana is legal in 23 states at the time this article was published. The international community is following suit, with an increasing number of nations decriminalizing or outright legalizing cannabis. Colorado now brings in more tax dollars from marijuana than from liquor.

When was the Cole Memo issued?

These states have relied upon, inter alia, the Cole Memo, issued on August 29, 2013 by the U.S. Department of Justice. The Cole Memo informed federal prosecutors that state-regulated marijuana ought to be their lowest enforcement priority…but it is only a memo and nothing more. It can be disclaimed or ignored at any time.

Who is Neil Juneja?

Neil Juneja is a registered patent attorney and is the founder of Gleam Law, a cannabis-focused law firm with offices in Seattle and Oregon. He can be reached at [email protected].

Is marijuana law a mine?

Marijuana law is a fantastic but mine-filled practice area. If you are looking for something different, where you can help forge the laws, culture, and trajectory of an entire industry, there is nothing like it. Nothing is boilerplate and everything requires creative thinking. There is no place I would rather be.

Stephen Mark Komie

Attorney Stephen M. Komie has been a Chicago trial lawyer for more than 39 years. He serves on the ISBA Board of Governors and the ISBA Asse... read more >

Bruce Eli Mosbacher

Bruce Eli Mosbacher is one of the most experienced, respected, and zealous criminal defense and marijuana lawyers in the Chicago area. For m... read more >

Audriana Anderson

Audriana Anderson is the former Assistant State's Attorney who supervised the narcotics courtroom for DuPage County. Now she is using her va... read more >

How many states have legalized medical marijuana?

As of this writing, 33 states have legalized medical marijuana. Another 11 have legalized recreational use. The tide doesn’t seem to be slowing. Public support for legalized weed is growing, according to the Pew Research Center, and that sentiment is reflected in ballot measures and newly proposed legislation.

What are the signs of marijuana use?

Generally, the legislation outlines signs impairment as: Changes in speech and demeanor. Impaired dexterity, agility and coordination. Irrational or unusual behavior.

Can employers ban marijuana in Illinois?

Employers can take action based on marijuana in the workplace. Despite its legalization, employers are free to ban the possession of marijuana, and its use, in the workplace. Companies may also bar workers from using pot while on-call. The tricky aspect for Illinois employers is identifying impairment in the workplace.

Is marijuana legal in Illinois?

Recreational use of marijuana in Illinois became legal Jan. 1 for adults 21 or older. The state in December 2019 clarified the law, which gave employers a better sense of how to address the specifics of dealing with marijuana use among employees and potential hires. (Medical marijuana has been legal in Illinois since 2015.)

What is a cannabis event planner?

From weddings and birthday bashes to educational seminars and product launches, a cannabis event planner can help a broad scope of clients with tailored services. You should be ambitious, charismatic and possess an eye for detail to execute a pot party effectively, and to attract the right kind of clients.

What is retailing cannabis?

Retail is one line of business that every product goes through before it gets to consumers. Depending on which state you reside, you can become a cannabis retailer by retailing cannabis products. You can do this in a storefront setting with basic products.

How much will the cannabis market be in 2021?

That number is projected to increase to $21.6 billion by 2021. The cannabis market has come to be known as a very lucrative market to get into and many people are looking for ways that they can cater to the consumers in this market so that they can make a profit for themselves.

Is cannabis a plant?

But research has shown that cannabis is the real name of the plant, the scientific name. Cannabis comes in many different forms and the main strains of the plant are Cannabis Indica, Cannabis Sativa, and Cannabis Ruderalis.

Do you need a license to make marijuana?

Producing marijuana does require a license, so you will need to know the application process in your state. 2. Process cannabis. Much marijuana production is done by large companies, but there are plenty of consumers who prefer a product that has been personally processes in a distinct and controlled environment.

Can you start a marijuana delivery business?

Marijuana or cannabis is a medicinal plant that always needs to be in a controlled environment if you want to keep all its components intact. If you live in a state that has legalized the use of both recreational and medical marijuana, you can start a marijuana transportation and delivery business.

Is cannabis a medical plant?

As have been said before, the cannabis plant has a lot of medical properties, and products made with them are quite effective. Because of the dim popularity the industry currently has, companies are looking for people to help create awareness about their products, and help them burst the myth about the weed.