What does it take to be successful as a marijuana business? For one, a thorough understanding of regulatory and compliance issues. Learn more about what every grower/cultivator, processor, testing lab or dispensary should know.

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TRICKY BUSINESSNAVIGATING REGULATORY OBSTACLES IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY
Presented By

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With legalized
marijuana
gaining
traction across
the country,
the cannabis
industry is
growing by
leaps and
bounds.
Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/40509047/these-cannabis-industry-
innovators-are-growing-a-billion-dollar-industry-through-science-and-tech

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But the pathway to
a successful
marijuana business
is fraught with
regulatory hurdles.
So what does it take to not
only get off the ground, but
also stay afloat?

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Step 1: Getting Started
Count on navigating numerous challenges before
you even open your doors:
• Securing financing
• Obtaining a license
• Dealing with political snags
• Finding an approved location
• Constructing a secure facility
• Vetting prospective employees
• Passing a scrutinizing initial inspection

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Step 2: Staying Afloat
Finally, you're in business. But the hard part isn't
over. Compliance issues are ongoing, and they cover
every aspect of your business:
• Facility maintenance
• Security
• Storage and disposal
• Employee background checks
• Quality control
• Record-keeping
• Fire prevention
• Abuse/addiction prevention
• Patient education
• Labeling and packaging
• Sanitation
• Reporting
• Inspections
• Audits
• And more

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Step 3: Navigating Setbacks
A surprise inspection has uncovered regulatory
violations. Now what?
Enforcement actions involve more than just a slap
on the wrist or a one-time fine. They could result in
suspension or revocation of your license to
operate.
The business you've worked so
hard to build is on the line.

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What To Do (And Not To Do)
When You're Facing An
Enforcement Action
• Don't hire a criminal defense attorney. It’s a
regulatory proceeding, not a criminal charge.
• Don't hire a corporate attorney. Few business lawyers
have experience in this niche and novel area of law.
• Do enlist a lawyer with a strong regulatory and
administrative law background – someone who
understands the cannabis industry.

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Preventing
Compliance Issues
Take a proactive approach:
• Keep detailed, written standard operating procedures
• Train new hires well
• Provide regular training updates for all staff
• Conduct mock inspections to identify shortcomings
The right attorney can put strong
preventative measures into place.

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Why Patton Law?
• Administrative Law Specialist
Certified Through The Ohio State Bar
• Government Experience
Former Assistant Ohio Attorney General
• In-Depth Industry Knowledge
Teaches At The Cleveland School Of Cannabis
• A Niche Focus
100% On Representing Cannabis Businesses
• A National (And International) Practice
Serving Clients Across The Country
We Work
With:
• Growers/cultivators
• Processors
• Testing labs
• Dispensaries
• Physicians and
health care
providers

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Driven By Passion,
Not Profits
For attorney David Patton,
cannabis isn't just a political
issue; it's personal.
Cannabidiol worked
wonders in keeping his
6-year-old son's severe
epilepsy under control.
“Medical
marijuana
saved my
son's life.”

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Free White
Paper
Learn more about what it
takes to start a successful
cannabis business.
Read our free white paper
or visit our website.
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