A marijuana industry seminar hosted by the law firm, Garvey Schubert Barer, featuring representatives from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, City of Portland, and Oregon League of Cities
Garvey Schubert Barer (GSB) is hosting “Moving Forward Under Measure 91” a free public event, Friday, April 10, 2015 at the World Trade Center Portland. The half-day event (8:15 a.m.–1:00 p.m.) will address the business, legal and practical implications of Measure 91 for anyone looking to do business in the marijuana industry.
Representatives from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, Association of Oregon Counties and League of Oregon Cities, will speak about the important role city and county government plays in shaping and regulating the Oregon marijuana industry. In addition, Garvey Schubert Barer attorneys experienced in representing licensed marijuana growers, processors and retailers in Washington state will discuss general business planning needs unique to the emerging recreational marijuana industry.
Licensed marijuana and marijuana-related businesses in the U.S. face extraordinary legal challenges. Not only are these businesses burdened with challenges inherent in any new industry, but also must deal with complex and evolving state and local regulations, as well as uncertainty resulting from federal law.
Important Note: This is an early invitation before reservations open to the general public. We only have 200 seats available, so please RSVP as soon as possible. Add this event to your Outlook Calendar.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED by Friday, April 3, 2015.
Topics
- Tom Burns, Director of Marijuana Programs, Oregon Liquor Control Commission, discussing OLCC’s anticipated and developing rules and regulations;
- Sean O’Day, General Counsel, League of Oregon Cities, discussing cities’ perspectives and zoning issues;
- Rob Bovett, Legal Counsel, Association of Oregon Counties, discussing counties’ perspectives and zoning issues;
- William Kabeiseman, Garvey Schubert Barer, Discussing local perspectives and zoning issues;
- Andy Aley, Garvey Schubert Barer, Discussing financing and operating a regulated marijuana business;
- Claire Hawkins, Garvey Schubert Barer, Discussing intellectual property, trademarks and trade secrets;
- Jared Van Kirk, Garvey Schubert Barer, Discussing labor and employment practices;
- Hal Snow, Garvey Schubert Barer, Discussing asset protection planning.
Schedule
- 7::30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. - Coffee & Registration
- 8:15 a.m. to Noon - Program
- Noon to 1 p.m. - Reception
Warning Regarding Federal Law
The possession, distribution, and manufacturing of marijuana is illegal under federal law, regardless of state law which may, in some jurisdictions, decriminalize such activity under certain circumstances. Federal penalties for violating the federal Controlled Substances Act (the “CSA”) are serious and, depending on the quantity of marijuana involved, may include criminal penalties of up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,000,000. 21 U.S.C. § 841. The penalties increase if the sale or possession with intent occurs within 1,000 feet of a school, university, playground, or public housing facility. 21 U.S.C. § 860. In addition, the federal government may seize, and seek the civil forfeiture of, the real or personal property used to facilitate the sale of marijuana as well as the money or other proceeds from the sale. 21 U.S.C. § 881. Although the U.S. Department of Justice has noted that an effective state regulatory system, and compliance with such a system, should be considered in the exercise of investigative and prosecutorial discretion, its authority to prosecute violations of the CSA is not diminished by the passage of state laws which may permit such activity, including Initiative 502 in the State of Washington.
