Legal and Commercial Issues of Cannabis Legalization

As of October 17, 2018, Canada will legalize the recreational use of cannabis. Several companies perceive this regulatory change as a market full of business opportunities.

Although legal in Canada, this legalization raises important legal issues with our American neighbour. While some states have legalized the use and distribution of cannabis, anything surrounding the use and marketing of cannabis remains illegal under US federal law and anyone who possesses, uses, or participates in the distribution or sale of cannabis is committing a crime.

By combining its expertise in labour law, municipal law, real estate law, intellectual property and business immigration, BCF assists Canadian and foreign companies, shareholders, directors, managers and employers by advising them on the legal and commercial consequences of this legalization.

The following topics will be addressed in this report:

• Cannabis and Commercial Leasing: Issues to Consider
• Cannabis and Zoning Issues
• Cannabis: How to Balance Privacy Rights and the Employer’s Management Prerogative
• Cannabis-Related Innovations: Strategies for Protecting Intellectual Property
• Marijuana Legalization: What to Expect For Employers?
• Obtaining a Cannabis Producer Licence
• Obtaining Financing and the Inherent Challenges of the Cannabis Industry
• Random Drug Testing in the Workplace
• Trademarks and Cannabis: Tailoring a Strategy
• The cannabis and cryptocurrency businesses under the watchful gaze of the Quebec Lobbyists Commissioner