As readers of this blog and the cannabis industry are aware, the conflict between state and federal law on the issue of cannabis is a constant source of tension, struggle, and frustration for the cannabis industry, their employees, and those who provide services to the industry. Among the many sources of consternation is the unwillingness of many financial institutions to provide services to the cannabis industry given its illegal status under federal law. While most cannabis businesses have access to traditional business checking account services, they generally lack access to the full suite of financial products and services that financial institutions offer to all other businesses, such as business loans, lines of credit, commercial mortgages, etc.Continue Reading Finally, Federal Cannabis Banking Reform?!?!

In a significant decision for cannabis advocates and the cannabis industry, on September 1, 2023, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued an opinion directing the placement of a cannabis-related charter amendment on the November 7, 2023, ballot for the residents of the City of Keego Harbor, Michigan, to consider on Election Day. Thanks to the Court’s decision, the voters of Keego Harbor have the chance to directly determine whether they wish to permit recreational marijuana retailers in their community. John Fraser served as lead attorney on the matter in the Oakland County Circuit Court and the Michigan Court of Appeals with assistance from Lance Boldrey, Gary Gordon, Alan Wilk, Steve Liedel, Cheyenne Benyi, and Olivia Flower.Continue Reading Michigan Court of Appeals Orders Placement of Cannabis-Related City Charter Amendment on November 2023 Ballot

In a first-of-its-kind decision, the Cass County Circuit Court has ruled in favor of HRP Cassopolis, LLC, a Michigan-based cannabis business, in their dispute with the LaGrange Township assessor. A potential milestone for the cannabis industry, this ruling sheds light on the legal classification of cannabis cultivation and its eligibility for agricultural tax-related benefits. Dykema attorneys Carl Rashid, Jr. and Mark Magyar were proud to deliver this victory for HRP.Continue Reading Michigan Court Recognizes Cannabis Cultivation as Agricultural Operation

While more and more states move to legalize various uses of cannabis, a recent decision on an application for U.S. citizenship demonstrates its possession, use, and distribution remain illegal under federal law and can have significant consequences.Continue Reading Cannabis Continues to Demonstrate Major Differences Between State and Federal Law