Since recreational marijuana became legal in Oregon and other states across the nation, the cannabis industry has become a big business. Whether you are exploring opportunities in recreational cannabis, forming a business that involves hemp, seeking marijuana business permits, or investing in the cannabis industry, turn to Hughes Law.
Our marijuana business lawyer regularly represents members of the cannabis community in Oregon and across the nation. Well-versed in the licensing requirements of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) and the regulations governing cannabis production, processing, and sales, we are here to help you achieve your goals in the cannabis space.
When you consult with us, we will provide you with powerful representation and help you develop a strategy for your cannabis-based business. From business formation to licensing, from regulatory compliance to cannabis investor consulting, Hughes Law is your one-stop shop in cannabis law. Please contact our office today to speak with our experienced Oregon marijuana business lawyer.
Oregon Cannabis Startup Attorney
Starting a cannabis-based business can be an exciting and lucrative venture, but complicated as well. Selecting the right business entity (e.g. LLC, partnership) has significant financial and tax implications that require the trustworthy advice and objective insights Hughes Law provides.
Founding attorney Michael R. Hughes is both a veteran cannabis attorney who has been in the trenches for over 20 years and a dedicated hemp and cannabis producer who continues to work the fields. He is highly regarded as a tough-minded, no-nonsense marijuana lawyer who fights tirelessly for cannabis growers, processors, retailers, and consumers.
Our experienced marijuana business lawyers are up-to-speed on the evolving rules and regulations governing cannabis cultivation and distribution and will help you navigate the challenges of launching a cannabis business. Our comprehensive services include:
- Assisting with entity selection
- Preparing foundational documents
- Submitting license and permit applications
Trust Hughes Law to make sure that your cannabis startup has a solid foundation.
Cannabis Land Use and Zoning Lawyer in Deschutes County, Oregon
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) regulates most aspects of the cannabis industry, however, land use and zoning fall under local jurisdiction. Oregon law allows cities and counties to adopt reasonable regulations governing recreational marijuana production and also permits local governments to limit or prohibit recreational marijuana businesses.
While local land use regulations may vary, these rules govern critical components of marijuana production, such as:
- Zones in which producers can be located
- Time and manner in which recreational marijuana can be grown
- Minimum lot size requirements
- Access requirements
- Noise and odor limits
- Buffer zones
In addition to local land use rules and regulations, the OLCC has adopted land use regulations governing the size of the surface area or “canopy” farmers can use to cultivate mature marijuana plants. You should also know that state law prohibits marijuana production on federal land and certain other locations.
At Hughes Law, our cannabis land use attorney has in-depth knowledge of the zoning ordinances of jurisdictions throughout Oregon. We work closely with cannabis producers to prepare the Land Use Compatibility Statement required by the OLCC and help you secure the permits you need to maintain a cannabis cultivation site. Our team also advises cannabis producers nationwide on applicable zoning and land use regulations in states where the production of recreational marijuana is permitted by law.
OLCC and Other Licensing Requirements
The OLCC licensing attorney at Hughes Law is highly experienced in helping clients obtain producer licenses, processor licenses, and seller licenses (wholesale/retail). We know the ins and outs of the agency’s licensing procedures and leverage our long-standing relationships with OLLC officials to expedite the licensing process.
Nonetheless, in such a large playing field, obtaining a cannabis business license in Oregon can be a lengthy undertaking. You can count on our experienced cannabis business lawyers to be with you all the way, and make sure you are ready to hit the ground running once your cannabis license is secured.
Additionally, if you intend to dedicate your production to medical marijuana, or you are considering operating a medical marijuana dispensary, we will work with you to obtain necessary approvals from the Oregon Health Authority.
Given the exacting procedural requirements for obtaining a cannabis business license in Oregon, it is wise to consult with an experienced cannabis business attorney. At Hughes Law, we know cannabis law and we have a working knowledge of the recreational cannabis industry.
Consulting for the Cannabis Investor
The production and sale of cannabis has become a legitimate, multi-billion dollar industry providing lucrative opportunities to cannabis investors. Laws governing recreational marijuana differ greatly from state to state and cannabis is still illegal at the federal level. It takes an experienced cannabis business attorney to help you weigh the risks and rewards.
At Hughes Law, we work with individuals and businesses who are seeking additional sources of income and revenue through prudent cannabis investments. Given the associated regulatory, legal, and tax implications of investing in the cannabis industry, our legal team will assess the potential liabilities and explore all opportunities so that you can make informed investment decisions.
Oregon Hemp Industry Consultant
Hemp has been cultivated for hundreds of years for its durable fibers which are currently used to make a wide range of commercial and industrial products, including rope, textiles, clothing, shoes, food, paper, bioplastics, insulation, and biofuel. More recently, hemp has gained even more popularity because of its high levels of cannabidiol (CBD), a substance that can help to relieve pain, anxiety, and inflammation. Today, there are even countless CBD infused beverages on the market.
To produce hemp, you must be licensed under a state hemp program, a tribal hemp program or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hemp program. Oregon is one of many states that has legalized the cultivation of hemp for commercial purposes and growers here must be registered with the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
Given the different regulatory schemes governing cannabis and hemp production, working with an experienced, second generation hemp producer like Michael Hughes will give you a distinct advantage. If you are considering forming a hemp-related business in Oregon or another jurisdiction, you can benefit from our legal skills, business acumen, and field experience. We regularly assist producers, distributors and testing laboratories with obtaining hemp licenses and complying with local, state and federal regulatory guidelines.
In this regard, we are keenly aware of the challenges producers face ensuring that the THC concentration of their plants is within the 0.3 percent threshold established by the 2018 Farm Bill. Our experienced industrial hemp consultants will work with you proactively to comply with the USDA’s rules governing hemp production. We are also up-to-date on current hemp-related guidelines established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding permitted use and labeling, respectively.
At Hughes Law, we are dedicated to fostering the growth of the nationwide hemp industry and to helping you achieve your goals in the hemp/CBD marketplace.
Contact Our Experienced Oregon Cannabis Business Attorney
The contemporary cannabis landscape will continue to evolve as more states legalize recreational marijuana. The best way to navigate this shifting terrain is to work with the experienced cannabis business attorneys at Hughes Law. Please contact our office today to schedule a consultation.