Dear Pot Lawyer,
How can I break into the recreational cannabis business?
Becoming a success in the Oregon cannabis industry isn’t out of your reach. Like any business, it will take perseverance, courage, and commitment. However, you will also need to be willing to deal with continually changing regulations, unfair taxation, banking issues, and the ever-present threat, however small, of federal intervention. Here is a brief starter on what you need to keep in mind.
LICENSING—The Oregon Liquor Control Commission administers Oregon’s recreational cannabis program. All licensees must go through an extensive application process and renew their licenses yearly. The law changes quickly, so you will need someone on your side to keep you compliant with the evolving regulatory landscape.
LOCATION—Your state license must be tied to real property. Don’t sign the dotted line until you are certain that your property is suitable for your cannabis operation. This includes ensuring that the property is in a cannabis-friendly city or county, complies with local zoning and land use codes, and has adequate power and water for your needs. Every city and county is different, so part of your location search should include analyzing any local licensing requirements.