People in the cannabis business sector still face a threat of criminal prosecution. Even when businesses are permitted by state and local jurisdictions, there may be criminal or financial consequences for certain
conduct that falls outside of what is permitted. There is also a rather robust “traditional” cannabis marketplace and that activity can sometimes lead to criminal charges being filed. And sometimes charges are filed not against operators of the illegal business but rather the innocent landlord or employee that didn’t realize the business was illegal.

In recent years, as federal enforcement of cannabis laws has waned, there has been an increase of federal investigations of “cannabis-plus” activities, meaning investigations of cannabis business for engaging in other criminal activity, or for money laundering of cannabis proceeds. This often leads to issuance of grand jury subpoenas against individuals engaged in licensed cannabis activities.

For more than two decades, Michael Chernis of Chernis Law Group P.C. has been defending clients in criminal and regulatory enforcement matters, including over the last decade plus defending both individuals and businesses against charges stemming from cannabis-related activity. This includes allegations of unlicensed activity, leasing to illegal operators, charges related to illegal extractions, and not paying taxes. He has a great
deal of success representing dispensary operators, cultivators, transporters and more in state and federal court.

Chernis Law Group P.C. handles all stages of criminal cases, including: