Why HAVING a Cannabis Attorney ON RETAINER is Non-Negotiable in Oklahoma

In the verdant fields of Oklahoma's cannabis industry, success hinges on more than just green thumbs; it requires specialized legal navigation.

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) has recently tightened its regulatory grip, introducing complex rules and intensifying its enforcement efforts. In such a climate, having an attorney on retainer isn’t a luxury—it’s an imperative. Below are five compelling reasons why securing continuous legal counsel is critical for those threading through the cannabis sector's dynamic legal maze.

1. The Regulatory Roller Coaster

Cannabis laws are a patchwork of statutes that are as dynamic as they are intricate. An attorney on retainer serves as your legal sentinel, ever-vigilant for legislative shifts that could impact your enterprise. They provide invaluable foresight, like warning you of the compliance tide well before it sweeps the shore. Hiring a dedicated cannabis law firm ensures that such surprises never jeopardize your operations. Each legislative session brings new waves of anxieties about how the statutes will change, and how the changes will impact the industry—and or your business. We make it our business to foresee, interpret and adapt to these changes, all while keeping you informed and compliant.

2. Licensing Labyrinth

Navigating the labyrinth of licensing is a task best handled by seasoned legal professionals. What used to be a simple process is now riddled with increased fees, new requirements and more places to make missteps that jeopardize the status of your business license. This year's miss by numerous businesses on the OBNDD registration deadline underscores the complexity of compliance and understanding licensing requirements with a runway to comply and complete them in time. A retainer attorney doesn't just react to such scenarios; they anticipate and manage them. With our expertise, every application, renewal and regulatory requirement is meticulously tracked and fulfilled, ensuring that your business’s legitimacy is never in question.

The industry lost 44% of its dispensaries and 28% of its dispensaries overnight to non-renewal. We keep our clients in the game and on the right side of the numbers.

3. Vigilant Compliance and Audit Preparedness

The specter of audits and inspections looms large over the cannabis industry. OMMA's ramp-up in enforcement is a clarion call to prioritize compliance. Dispensaries will begin to get secret shopped early next year, bringing new complexities and increased risk to managers and licensees. An attorney on retainer is like having a shield against these regulatory onslaughts. We will not only guide you in establishing robust compliance frameworks but also stand with you before, during or after inspections, deploying our expertise to mitigate the risk of infractions that could lead to financial penalties or, worse, suspension of your business operations.

4. Strategic Business Growth

The trajectory of your cannabis business should be ever-upward, but growth brings complexity. That’s when an attorney becomes an integral component of your strategic planning. We can help navigate mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and capital infusions, ensuring each step you take is on solid legal ground. Our continuous counsel covers everything from day-to-day contracts to protecting proprietary strains or branding, from employment law compliance to navigating the intricacies of real estate transactions in this unique industry.

5. Dispute Resolution and Litigation

In the thorny thicket of business, disputes are inevitable. We’ve seen more than our fair share in cannaland. When they arise, the swift counsel of your retained attorney is your best countermeasure. Whether it’s mediating a dispute with a partner, negotiating with suppliers, or defending your interests in court, having an attorney on call ensures that you are always ready to respond with legal force. Our preemptive strategies often prevent disputes from escalating, saving you time, resources, and the potential tarnish on your relationships or reputation.

The relationship with a retained attorney goes beyond transactional interactions; it's a proactive partnership. We immerse ourselves in the nuances of this industry, and as your attorneys—your business, aligning with your vision and becoming a pivotal part of your operational framework. This symbiosis allows for the anticipation of legal challenges and the seizing of opportunities with precision.

In an industry where compliance determines continuity, the role of a retainer attorney is not just reactive but strategic. They help you pivot your business model to leverage new opportunities while steering clear of legal pitfalls. Their guidance is a beacon as you navigate the murky waters of federal vs. state legislation, taxation complexities, and the intricacies of inter-state commerce.

A retained attorney also serves as an educator, not only for you but for your entire staff. Through compliance consults and visits, we can collaborate to instill a culture of compliance, ensuring that every team member understands and adheres to the highest legal standards. In many cases, your license and compliance status can come down to the awareness and ability of your employees to adhere to the law. “No stone left unturned” is our approach, because if there’s something to find—even a small oversell of cannabis—count on it to be found.

The volatile landscape of Oklahoma's cannabis industry, marked by OMMA's stringent rules and active enforcement, is no longer a place for the unprepared. The retention of a specialized cannabis law attorney is not an overhead but an investment—an investment in peace of mind, business viability, and the sustained growth of your enterprise. In the realm of cannabis, where unpredictability is the only certainty, a legal retainer translates to stability, foresight, and competitive advantage.

At Gies Law Firm, cannabis law isn't just a part of our practice—it's our entire focus. We stand at the crossroads of cannabis law, business, and criminal law, offering unparalleled expertise in this unique and intricate field. Our dedicated attorneys have immersed themselves in the nuances of cannabis legislation, ensuring that we're not just participants but leading advocates in this ever-evolving industry.

With a laser focus on cannabis-related matters, we navigate the complexities of business operations, compliance, and legislation with an unmatched depth of knowledge and experience. Whether you're facing regulatory hurdles, business growth challenges, or criminal law matters, Gies Law Firm is equipped to guide you through every facet of cannabis law with confidence and strategic acumen.

Our commitment to this specialty means we're perfectly poised to handle any issue that arises in the realm of cannabis. When you partner with Gies Law Firm, you're not just hiring an attorney; you're gaining a proactive ally dedicated to protecting and propelling your cannabis enterprise forward.

In the spirit of preparedness and strategic foresight, consider having our expertise on retainer not as a cost, but as the cornerstone of your cannabis business’s foundation. It's time to solidify your legal front. Are you ready?