Business Issues
RICO, Nuisance Lawsuits Pop Up Against Medical Marijuana Businesses
It used to be the stuff of Hollywood movies featuring organized crime. Yet, while the Michigan Medical Marijuana Licensing Board is formulating the regulations that will govern medical marijuana growers, processors, transportors and dispensers in Michigan, courts in a number of states are issuing rulings that will allow marijuana grow operations – even if compliant with state regulations – to
FBMJ Attorneys Co-Author Article for CLM – “When Water Becomes Waste”
Richard Baron, Ben Fruchey and Nicholas Andrew co-authored “When Water Becomes Waste,” published in the June, 2017 issue of CLM Magazine. The article focuses on the significant growth in insurance claims related to the release of water extracted from the ground as a byproduct of oil and gas production, often involving hydraulic fracturing (fracking), and the importance of understanding the pot
MDEQ Changes Vapor Intrusion Guidance Document
On June 20th, 2017, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) issued a bulletin which rescinded segments of its “Guidance Document: For the Vapor Intrusion Pathway,” eliminating certain screening criteria and potentially paving the way for implementation of a new tiered approach to addressing vapor intrusion, originally proposed in April, 2016.The MDEQ stated the reason for the r
New Bill Would Add Background Checks to Marijuana Facilities License Application
A new bill in the Michigan Senate Judiciary Committee would require applicants for a facilities license under the new medical marijuana statute to undergo state and federal background checks. This is a significant departure from the legislation already in effect that did not explicitly require such background checks.Senate Bill 433 (2017), put forward by State Sen. Rick Jones, R- Grand Ledge, seek
Richard Baron to Speak at 2017 Perrin Conferences’ Environmental Risk & Litigation Conference
FBMJ attorney Richard Baron will be a featured speaker at the upcoming Perrin Environmental Risk & Litigation Conference to be held June 20, 2017 at the Westin New York at Times Square in New York City. Rich will be the moderator and part of a panel of experienced environmental practitioners and insurance industry personnel examining relevant environmental issues. Their panel presentation titl
State Appoints Five to Medical Marijuana Board, Offers Guidance to Accountants Assisting Marijuana Businesses
After a significant delay, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder announced last week the appointment of five people to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Licensing Board, which will govern licensing of medical marijuana growers and dispensaries under the new state law going into effect in December, 2017.Rick Johnson, a former state representative, will serve as chairman of the board. He will be joined by David La
State Creates New Bureau to Regulate Medical Marijuana
The State of Michigan has announced the creation of the Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulation (BMMR) charged with developing new statutory requirements that will govern medical marijuana facility licensing in time for implementation in December.The BMMR, which will be housed in the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), is a significant step by the state toward creating the rules
Improved Michigan Automated Prescription System Now Operational
In what has been identified as a new tool in the fight against opioid abuse and controlled substance diversion, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) announced Tuesday, April 11, 2017, that improvements to the Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS), Michigan’s electronic monitoring system that tracks Schedule 2-5 controlled substances dispensing, were completed with it
Medical Marijuana Laws to Bring New Regulations Once Appointments Made
A recent delay will likely slow the announcement of specific rules and regulations that will govern the application process for a license under the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (the Act). Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed a package of three bills that created regulatory framework for the distribution of medical marijuana in September, 2016. The bills, which went into effect in Dec
Solid, Liquid or Gas: What’s the Matter with Vapor Intrusion?
Imagine yourself as the owner of a small company that is looking for additional office space needed to expand your business. Lo and behold, you find the perfect commercial building, on a busy street, in the town you want to be in, and at the right price. You scoop up the building, noting only in passing that the adjacent business is a large gas station. Your company moves in, and business is good,