Legal Careers in Cannabis
Legal careers in cannabis are expanding and paying. If you are interested in cashing in on the legal marijuana industry as a legal professional, you may want to stick with us on today’s blog as we explore the current opportunities.
Washington & Colorado Legalized Recreational Marijuana in 2011
I live in Washington now where marijuana is legal. I get a lot of questions from friends back home about what it is like to live in a pot-friendly state. I guess I felt like it would be so much more overt or in your face when we moved here, and it really is not. I am definitely pro legal marijuana and living in a state where it has been legal the longest has only reinforced that position.
It just may behoove you to share similar sentiments if you are interested in working in the areas of Cannabis Law. In fact, if you have a personal interest in the plant, that is usually a plus. Many of the most successful employers of paralegals in the area of Cannabis Law do not even consider hiring individuals who don’t have personal knowledge of marijuana.
It should be noted that personal knowledge and personal use are exclusive of each other.
Are You A Dude Who Knows the Laws & the Penalties
It reminds me of one of Dave Chappelle’s stories in his “Killing ‘Em Softly” routine. No, not the one about the baby selling drugs on the corner in the middle of the night.
The one where he talks about getting pulled over with a fair-complected friend who got out of a ticket by telling the officer, “Sorry, officer I didn’t know I couldn’t do that.”
Dave Chappelle said, “Every black dude in this room is a qualified paralegal and shit. He knows the law. If one of us even start to do something wrong, an old Black man would pop out of nowhere…
“Don’t do that. That’s five to ten. Watch out.”
There are many rules and regulations when it comes to marijuana and I know a lot of marijuana consumers who know these laws better than I do. As most of us understand, it is still illegal federally and in many other states. So you must be familiar with the federal laws, as well as the local state laws.
And for good measure, other state laws. You need to keep up on current legislation not just in your own state, but all states as the states themselves are largely fueling these changes in the law.
Many people who may be viewed as a “halfbaked” would actually make excellent paralegals in Cannabis Law, as they have been following these laws all along. They just don’t know it because they have never experienced the legal field. Maybe they never thought they had a chance in the legal field.
Maybe the legal field never had an opportunity for them. I think Cannabis Law is definitely going to open more opportunities for legal professionals.
No Peer Pressure
Regardless as to whether you have a personal interest in weed, I still believe that knowledge in this particular area of law will greatly benefit you. I have noticed lucrative compensations for legal professionals with the right combination of experience, education and knowledge in this new area of law.
Even small cannabis vendors have in-house general counsel, obviously, these attorneys have support positions to fill. Additionally, there are entire firms specializing in cannabis law, which is another great place to start if you are interested in pursuing cannabis law.
This is not an area of law to underestimate. The astute paralegal who understands contract law, business law, employment law, trademark law, tax law, corporate law and compliance with state and federal regulations is a cannabis paralegal.
That type of legal understanding could lead to a very prestigious position with your local cannabis commission. Which is similar to an alcohol commission. The governmental agency responsible for regulating cannabis.
International Cannabis Bar Association
Many attorneys are still fearful to practice in this area of law. And rightfully so. While others have banned together to create their own bar association. Which offers a great library of amicus briefs on the subject.
When I look into my crystal ball, I see DUI attorneys catering to a new set of clientele that was busted for driving while under the influence of marijuana.
I see PI attorneys catering to the victims of faulty dab vape pens and other inevitable injuries that stem from the plant’s new legal status. There are many more possibilities when it comes to recreating how the legal profession deals with cannabis.
Uncharted Territory
When it comes to this area of law, experts are still far and few between. This is really uncharted territory and is one of my highly recommended areas to specialize in. However, do so with extreme caution and the understanding that it will be difficult for you to switch up into other areas of law after you have been associated with cannabis.
Now any savvy law firm will not think twice about the negative connotation tied to the controversial plant when you are skilled in such a wide range of valuable areas of law. But just know that a lot of people, particularly in geographical areas where marijuana is not legal, are still uncomfortable with the subject.
Not Pot Really Is Cool Though
Those negative views toward marijuana have helped to write the laws that keep low-income individuals incarcerated for possessing small amounts of marijuana. Legal professionals are using their skills in criminal justice and bail reform as well. The Bail Project, a non-profit organization combats mass incarceration through a revolving bail fund.
Whether marijuana is legal where you live or not, you can always enjoy Not Pot. Not Pot is a vegan, CBD gummie made from hemp organically grown in the USA.
NotPot is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Using profits from sales, Not Pot pledges to help pay for one person’s bail every month through donations to The Bail Project.
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About the Author
Valentina Zapata Harris
Mother | Advocate | Blogger
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