"Moving Forward Under Measure 91" Event to Review Issues Surrounding Oregon's Ongoing Marijuana Rule Development

PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwired - Mar 26, 2015) - Garvey Schubert Barer (GSB) is hosting "Moving Forward Under Measure 91" a free public event, Friday, April 10, 2015 at the World Trade Center Portland. The half-day event (8:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m.) will address the business, legal and practical implications of Measure 91 for anyone looking to do business in the marijuana industry.

Representatives from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, Association of Oregon Counties and League of Oregon Cities, will speak about the important role city and county government plays in shaping and regulating the Oregon marijuana industry. In addition, Garvey Schubert Barer attorneys experienced in representing licensed marijuana growers, processors and retailers in Washington state will discuss general business planning needs unique to the emerging recreational marijuana industry.

Licensed marijuana and marijuana-related businesses in the U.S. face extraordinary legal challenges. Not only are these businesses burdened with challenges inherent in any new industry, but also must deal with complex and evolving state and local regulations, as well as uncertainty resulting from federal law.

Featured speakers and topics include:

• Tom Burns, Director of Marijuana Programs, Oregon Liquor Control Commission, discussing OLCC's anticipated and developing rules and regulations;
• Sean O'Day, General Counsel, League of Oregon Cities, discussing cities' perspectives and zoning issues;
• Rob Bovett, Legal Counsel, Association of Oregon Counties, discussing counties' perspectives and zoning issues;
• Bill Kabeiseman, Garvey Schubert Barer, Discussing local perspectives and zoning issues;
• Andy Aley, Garvey Schubert Barer, Discussing financing and operating a regulated marijuana business;
• Claire Hawkins, Garvey Schubert Barer, Discussing intellectual property, trademarks and trade secrets;
• Jared Van Kirk, Garvey Schubert Barer, Discussing labor and employment practices;
• Hal Snow, Garvey Schubert Barer, Discussing asset protection planning.

The event is being hosted by Garvey Schubert Barer, a northwest-based law firm founded in 1966. The firm's Cannabis Industry Group is part of its Regulated Industries Practice which serves businesses across a broad range of industries, including alcohol, radio and television broadcasting, government contracting, healthcare, and maritime. The Cannabis Industry Group is comprised of attorneys experienced in finance, tax, real estate, intellectual property, employment, commercial litigation and criminal defense. This breadth of legal experience provides state-licensed marijuana businesses, and businesses serving the licensed marijuana industry, full-service representation.

In addition to its 125 attorneys with expertise in all areas of business law, the firm produces the Cannabis Business Blog, a factual, educational and unbiased resource for anyone in, or looking to enter, the legal marijuana industry.

The event is open to the public but space is limited. To reserve a spot please register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/moving-forward-under-measure-91-a-marijuana-industry-seminar-tickets-15731864430.

"The emerging marijuana industry offers great opportunity, but also great risks for entrepreneurs and the entire supply chain," said Bill Kabeiseman, attorney at Garvey Schubert Barer. "By bringing the various stakeholders together early in the process, we can increase communication, understanding of different perspectives and chart a course that ensures a safe, legal and prosperous industry."

About Garvey Schubert Barer
Since its founding in 1966, Garvey Schubert Barer (GSB) has counseled clients across virtually all industry sectors, with a special emphasis in international trade and transportation, maritime law, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, financial services, real estate, communications and media, and arts and entertainment. The firm represents middle-market companies as well as a broad range of privately-held businesses, investment firms, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, government entities and individuals. With six strategic locations -- Anchorage, Beijing, New York, Portland, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. -- GSB provides practical, client-centered solutions to established market leaders, newly launched enterprises and governmental bodies. More information is available on the web at www.gsblaw.com.

Warning Regarding Federal Law
The possession, distribution, and manufacturing of marijuana is illegal under federal law, regardless of state law which may, in some jurisdictions, decriminalize such activity under certain circumstances. Federal penalties for violating the federal Controlled Substances Act (the "CSA") are serious and, depending on the quantity of marijuana involved, may include criminal penalties of up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,000,000. 21 U.S.C. § 841. The penalties increase if the sale or possession with intent occurs within 1,000 feet of a school, university, playground, or public housing facility. 21 U.S.C. § 860. In addition, the federal government may seize, and seek the civil forfeiture of, the real or personal property used to facilitate the sale of marijuana as well as the money or other proceeds from the sale. 21 U.S.C. § 881. Although the U.S. Department of Justice has noted that an effective state regulatory system, and compliance with such a system, should be considered in the exercise of investigative and prosecutorial discretion, its authority to prosecute violations of the CSA is not diminished by the passage of state laws which may permit such activity, including Initiative 502 in the State of Washington.