I have been studying the new marijuana legislation in Oregon. I am now actively looking for clients that desire to open recreational marijuana retail outlets, or a wholesale operation. Currently the rules have not been finalized for doing this. It is likely that the requirements will be similar to those currently in place for the medical marijuana dispensaries. The dispensaries will be licensed through the OLCC. On March 30, 2015 the OLCC announced that it had signed a contract for the development of an online application process. By January 4, 2016 current legislation requires the OLCC to begin accepting application for commercial growers, processors, wholesalers and retailers.
The retail businesses will face several interesting challenges, including complying with developing legislation and agency rules. Also, there are security issues, leasing and zoning issues, and banking issues to name a few. Most banks will not handle accounts in the marijuana business because it is still a controlled substance at the federal level. However, there are at least a couple credit unions in Oregon and Washington that are providing some banking services to the legal marijuana business. I am very open to alternative fee arrangements in this developing business, including the potential for equity in lieu of fees. So, for those businesses that would like an Oregon attorney who is staying on top of all the legal marijuana legislation, and has extensive business experience, please call Schrock Law Office.
