How Do I Obtain a License Under MCRSA?

November 18 2025 in Marijuana Charges, Medical Marijuana, Recreational Marijuana

California’s adult-use and medical cannabis markets are regulated under the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MCRSA), which sets the framework for licensing, compliance, and lawful operation. For entrepreneurs, dispensaries, and cultivators in San Diego, obtaining an MCRS...

Intoxicating Hemp Products Are Now Banned in CA: What You Need to Know

October 14 2025 in Federal Marijuana Issues, Marijuana Business, Marijuana Charges, Media Coverage, Medical Marijuana, Recreational Marijuana

California has officially taken the next major step toward a unified cannabis and hemp regulatory system. On October 2, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 8 (AB 8), authored by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), creating a single framework for regulating all intoxicating ...

2025 CA Marijuana and Hemp Legislation Updates

August 12 2025 in Marijuana Business, Medical Marijuana

California’s cannabis and hemp industries continue to evolve as lawmakers push forward new legislation in 2025. While the state’s legal market still struggles with high taxes and competition from the illicit market, several bills aim to bring relief, tighten oversight, and improve regulation. ...

California Moves to Permanently Ban Hemp THC: What Comes Next?

July 22 2025 in Marijuana Business

California is moving toward a permanent ban on hemp-derived THC products—like Delta-8 THC vapes, edibles, and beverages. This comes after an emergency rule from Governor Newsom’s administration in 2024 that blocked the sale of these products across the state. Now, the California Department of...

Attorney Jessica McElfresh featured in Redfin

April 8 2025 in Media Coverage

Attorney Jessica McElfresh was recently named an expert in a Redfin article exploring real estate, cost of living, culture and more in San Diego vs. Los Angeles. Check it out here: Los Angeles vs San Diego: Which City is Right for You? | Redfin, a parent company of Rent...

Cannabis Cafes Are Now Legal in CA: What You Need to Know

March 19 2025 in Marijuana Business

Last fall, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1775 (AB 1775) into law, and it officially took effect on January 1, 2025. This law allows licensed cannabis retailers and microbusinesses to operate cannabis cafes where customers can legally consume cannabis on-site while also purcha...

Attorney Jessica McElfresh Interviewed in NBC 7 on SDCC Cannabis Tax Hike

March 19 2025 in Media Coverage

Attorney Jessica McElfresh was recently featured in an NBC 7 San Diego story covering the San Diego City Council's vote to raise the local cannabis business tax by two percent. Jessica shared her insight on how the tax increase could impact local businesses and consumers who might have to pay more f...

California THC Limits in Edibles

November 13 2024 in Recreational Marijuana

California’s cannabis industry has evolved significantly over the past decade, including substantial regulatory changes that impact businesses and consumers alike. Since the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) took over as the primary authority for cannabis regulation in 2018, the rules on THC...

Your Guide to Commercial Leasing for Cannabis Businesses in California

October 22 2024 in Marijuana Business

Securing a commercial lease can be a daunting task for any business, but for cannabis businesses in California, the process presents even more challenges. To avoid costly mistakes and potential legal issues, cannabis business owners should be familiar with the leasing process. Here are the key fa...

Federal Rescheduling & Cannabis Law: Attorney McElfresh on the Ganjapreneur Podcast

October 4 2024 in Media Coverage

As a premier cannabis industry attorney and Chair of the Cannabis Law Institute,  Jessica McElfresh recently appeared on the  Ganjapreneur Podcast. In the episode, Jessica discusses the potential federal rescheduling of cannabis and its impact on the industry. She shares key insights from the Cann...

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