Hot Topics: Marijuana and Medical Marijuana: Law and Legislation

"... interweaves the interviews from a variety of representatives from different integral groups that have been affected by marijuana legalization, in both states that have legalized or are considering the legalization of marijuana, to get their impressions of the impact the law has made (or will make) in their area. These groups include medical professionals, educators, parents, lawmakers, drug users, and others. There is more public support for reform than ever before, but still much debate over the issues of legalizing marijuana. Marijuana 360 increases our understanding of what different professionals think about the legalization of marijuana. "

"The guide provides discussion and analysis of:
• the complex and varying state regulation of medical and non-medical marijuana, including a survey of state cannabis laws, with summaries and citations
• federal law, enforcement, and preemption
• the various aspects of establishing and managing a marijuana enterprise, including the growing, licensing, labeling, transporting, and distribution of marijuana and related products
• the implications of preemption on employment, taxes, and banking
For lawyers new to representing marijuana clients, the author provides an understanding of the definitions of marijuana and other cannabis products, as well as a review of the policy and political issues that have led to the controversy and uncertainty of the current environment."

""Concise yet comprehensive text that provides an overview of marijuana law. It discusses important issues pertaining to public policy, legal history, constitutional law, criminal law, and jurisprudence, as well as practical legal issues that concern both marijuana-related businesses and individuals, in areas such as banking, employment, tax, bankruptcy, and child custody. "

"Marijuana legalization is the hottest story in the US today. 22 states have authorized sales in some form. Denver has more legal marijuana dispensaries than Starbucks franchises. And like the early days of gourmet coffee chains, the rules and players are being established on the fly."

Description: State legalization of recreational marijuana: selected legal issues / Medical marijuana: the supremacy clause, federalism, and the interplay between state and federal laws / The Controlled Substances Act: regulatory requirements / Drug offenses: maximum fines and terms of imprisonment for violation of the federal Controlled Substances Act and related laws /
"May a state authorize the use of marijuana for recreational purposes even if such use is forbidden by federal law? This novel and unresolved legal question has vexed judges, politicians, and legal scholars, and it has also generated considerable public debate among supporters and opponents of 'legalizing' the recreational use of marijuana. This book summarizes the Washington and Colorado marijuana legalization laws and evaluates whether, or the extent to which, they may be preempted by the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) or by international agreements. It also highlights potential responses to these recent legalization initiatives by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and identifies other noncriminal consequences that marijuana users may face under federal law."--